Maurice Flanagan, one of the founders of Emirates, passes away in London

Sir Maurice Flanagan, One of the men who launched Emirates Airline died at his home in London on Thursday.

Maurice Flanagan, one of the men who launched Emirates Airline died at his home in London on Thursday. Don MacKinnon / Bloomberg News.

One of the men who launched Emirates Airline died at his home in London on Thursday at the age of 86.

Armed with US$10 million (Dh36.7m), Sir Maurice Flanagan, KBE, led a 10-man team to launch the airline in 1985.

Operations began on October 25 that year, with Flanagan acting as managing director.

In 1990, Flanagan was appointed the group managing director of the Emirates Group. Thirteen years later, he became vice chairman and group president, and was appointed executive vice chairman in 2006, a position he held until his retirement two years ago.

“The Emirates Group, and Dubai, has lost a great friend today,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates.

“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 per cent 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.”

Flanagan left British Airways in 1978 to become director and general manager of dnata, during the early days of Dubai’s economic development. After joining Emirates, he saw the airline grow from a fledging two-aircraft operator into a leading international aviation player.

“His contributions to dnata, Emirates, and Dubai, will always be remembered,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, the chief executive of flydubai, a subsidiary of Emirates, said: “It is with much sadness that we learnt that Sir Maurice Flanagan died yesterday.

“He was a great mentor, generous with sharing his knowledge and experience with all those who were fortunate to work with him. The contribution he made to the development and growth of the UAE’s aviation industry is greatly valued.

“I will always be thankful for the support he has given me throughout my career as well as for his friendship. The flydubai team joins me in sending Lady Flanagan and their family our condolences.”