Tributes paid to former Emirates chief
TRIBUTES have been paid to Lancashire-born aviation executive Sir Maurice Flanagan, the founding chief executive of Middle East airline Emirates, who has died at the age of 86.
Sir Maurice, an avid Manchester United fan, died at his London home last Thursday. He was educated in Leigh and Lymm before studying history and French at the University of Liverpool.
He was a keen footballer in his youth and was on the books at Blackburn Rovers before a knee injury thwarted his career. A man of many talents, in 1969, he won a television playwriting competition, but chose to focus on avaition rather than the arts.
After a long career with BA, Flanagan was wooed to the ambitious emirate, and he launched the Dubai-based airline with US$10m in 1985. He retired two years ago.
Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Emirates, described Flanagan as a legend in the aviation industry. “The Emirates Group, and Dubai, has lost a great friend today. Maurice was a man of great character, and a legend in the aviation industry. He was generous with his time, forthright in his views, and a person who gave 110% to everything he did.
“It was a great personal pleasure and privilege to have worked with him. On behalf of all Emirates Group staff, I express our condolences to his wife Audrey, his son Julian, and his daughters Siobhan and Claire. His contributions to Emirates, and Dubai, will always be remembered.”
In a statement, Emirates said: “The Emirates Group notes with great sadness the passing of our former Executive Vice Chairman, Sir Maurice Flanagan, KBE. A founding member of the group, Flanagan passed away peacefully at his home in London, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“He left British Airways in 1978 to become director and general manager of dnata, during the early days of Dubai’s economic development. In 1985, he led a 10-man team to launch Emirates airline with $10m.
Flanagan was knighted in 2010 by Queen Elizabeth, who cited his services to British aviation and exports. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; his son, Julian; and his daughters, Siobhan and Claire.
