Few know this, but Emirates Airlines owes part of its early success to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). When Emirates was founded in 1985, it turned to PIA for help—and Pakistan’s national carrier stepped up generously.
With a budget of just $10 million, PIA provided Emirates with two aircraft—a Boeing 737-300 and an Airbus A300B4-200—along with vital administrative and engineering support. This support laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s leading airlines.
Emirates may now be a global aviation giant, but its journey began with a helping hand from PIA. A powerful reminder that even giants have humble beginnings.
