Emirates plans to help US-bound customers with laptops

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark has described new US requirements banning bigger electronic devices from cabins in US-bound flights as “disruptive and operationally challenging’’ and says his airline is closely monitoring the measure’s business impact.

But he is optimistic Emirates will get through the hardship and says it is also working on ways to allow passengers to continue working on their devices to the last possible moment.

The controversial security measures, first revealed by airline tweets, mean electronic gear such as laptops, CD players, tablets, cameras and e-readers cannot be carried in the cabins of some flights into the US and the UK. Smartphones will still be allowed.

Emirates is affected by the US ruling but was not included in the UK announcement. 

Sir Tim said Emirates was working to ensure its operations comply with the new US rules by the March 25 deadline.

“We are informing affected customers, and co-ordinating with the various airport stakeholders,’’ he said. “Emirates will deploy extra staff at the airport to ease and assist passengers, especially in the first days of the new rules taking effect. 

“Our aim is to ensure compliance with the new rules while minimising disruption to passenger flow and impact on customer experience.”

The airline is also working on allowing customers to utilise their electronic devices until the last possible moment before boarding.

This would involve customers handing their laptops and tablets to staff just before the board a US-bound flight.

“These will then be stowed in the cargo hold and returned to the passengers when the flight lands in the US,’’ Sir Tim said. “It will mean our passengers, particularly those travelling in the premium cabins or flying for business, can still work on their devices while enjoying our lounges at Dubai airport.’’

The Emirates president would not speculate on the motivation behind the new requirements, noting it was the airline’s job to comply and manage the commercial and operational challenge.

US authorities say the move is based on "evaluated intelligence''  and information indicating terrorist groups are intensifying their efforts to execute an attack against the aviation sector. But there is also speculation the inclusion of Gulf carriers Emirates, Etihad and Qatar is politically motivated and related to lobbying by US carriers. 

“We are closely monitoring the business impact of this new security measure, and we will decide on our strategies and interventions accordingly,’’ Sir Tim said. “The airline industry is no stranger to new security protocols, and as a global player, we must expect and adjust to these unexpected situations.

“Emirates is highly resilient. Yes, this new security measure is disruptive and operationally challenging in several regards, but I am optimistic we will get through this.” 

Meanwhile, Emirates moved quickly to cleverly edit a longer commercial featuring Jennifer Aniston to address the ban by highlighting  the entertainment options on its flights.