Dubai-based Emirates remains gung-ho about getting back on the black this year after bleeding $1.6 billion in the first half of its 2021-2022 financial year and $3.4 billion in the comparative period in 2020.

"Despite the recent rise of the Omicron variant and the slight slowdown it brought to our network, we are going into 2022 with optimism," said Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Emirates is hoping to get back to profitability this year as the impact of the global vaccination program kicks in. Company executives earlier noted that the pandemic was “the worst crisis we’ve experienced in this industry".

Emirates has scaled up its cargo operations and managed its costs. For the Philippines, it is hoping to resume its pre-pandemic schedule of 25 Manila to Dubai flights.

"We’ve built up some great momentum in 2021 and expect business growth pick up speed this year," said Saeed Al Maktoum, adding that “aviation has always been resilient, and we will continue to work with our industry partners to build back better for our customers and communities."

So far, Emirates has rebuilt its passenger network to 128 cities as of last month, adding a new route to Miami launched in July.

At the end of 2021, all of Emirates’ 133 Boeing 777 aircraft and nearly 60 of its A380 fleet are in active service.

In addition, over 120 Emirates Lounges and partner facilities have re-opened to serve Emirates’ premium customers and frequent flyers.

The airline still sees a high demand for such flights from business and leisure travelers as well as overseas workers.

Last year, Emirates extended its rebooking waivers, the expiry of frequent flyer miles and tier status, and complimentary COVID-19 medical cover for all customers.

Emirates also accelerated digital initiatives to provide clients with smoother and safer journeys.