Bangkok--21 Apr--Spark Communications The Government of Dubai's announcement to set up a new airline will result in the formation of a new company that will operate a low-cost airline model with its own brand and identity. Although the new airline will be initially supported by Emirates during the set-up period, it will not be part of the Emirates Group. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, has been appointed by the government as Chairman of the new low-cost airline; and Ghaith Al Ghaith, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide at Emirates, has been appointed Chief Executive of the new entity. Initially the new airline will operate regionally within the GCC area and surrounding countries. Sheikh Ahmed said: "Emirates will assist in the formation of Dubai's new low-cost airline up to its first flight. I am confident that with Ghaith as the CEO, this new airline will be very successful. The Emirates Group will assist him in forming the new company and will continue to give all support as required up to its inauguration." About Emirates Thailand Emirates Airline has been operating in Thailand for over 17 years. Currently, Emirates operates 19 flights per week to Dubai, 10 flights per week to Hong Kong, and 7 flights per week to Sydney and Auckland. For further information, please visit www.emirates.com/th or contact Emirates Bangkok office 0-2664-1040-4. Media please contact: Warangkana Paungsiri / Nuttakan Jitchansakul Spark Communications Tel: 0-2653-2717-9 Fax: 0-2653-2720 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] visit: www.emirates.com