MasterCard and Emirates Airline sign agreement for online payment platform

Notes and media contacts

About Emirates
Since its launch in 1985, Emirates Airline has received more than 300 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service.

The airline has experienced rapid and consistent growth, above 20 per cent a year on average and has been profitable for the last 19 consecutive years. Financially self-sustained and unprotected, Emirates carried 17.5 million passengers in the 2006-07 financial year - three million more than the year before - and declared a record US $844 million profit, on revenue of US $8.1 billion - US$1.8 billion more, or 29.5 per cent better than the year before.

Emirates is the world's third most profitable airline and among the 20 largest. It is based in Dubai, one of the few cities in the world that pursues an open-skies policy, with more than 110 airlines in free and fair competition.

About Emirates Hotels & Resorts
Emirates Hotels & Resorts, the Emirates Group's new premier hospitality management division, is made up of a growing portfolio of award-winning, small luxury conservation-based resorts, five-star city hotel properties, spas, and a range of fully-serviced upmarket apartment hotels.

Part of Emirates' Destination and Leisure Management Division, Emirates Hotels & Resorts holds as its central vision the provision of exceptional services focused on guests' individuality of needs, the best possible location in any destination, and luxurious facilities.

It will develop its portfolio of exceptional properties in Dubai and other locations to support and enhance the growth of Emirates, providing travellers with seamless quality travel and hospitality experiences.

Currently, its portfolio includes - Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Emirates Park Towers Hotel & Residence, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Emirates Marina Hotel & Residence, Emirates Green Lakes Serviced Apartments, and the Timeless Spa.
Visit: www.emirateshotelsresorts.com


About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link between financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion payments each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.

Contact:
Mitchell Prather, GolinHarris, +971 4 332 3308, mobile + 971 50 656 7179
Nicole Suter, GolinHarris, +971 4 332 3308, mobile +971 50 376 8865