Emirates, the second largest and most profitable Arab carrier, is set to topple Saudi Arabian Airlines to become the biggest airline in the Middle East by 2010.

"Today we have 95 aircraft; we will touch the magical figure of 100 by the end of the year, and 150 by 2010," Gaith Al Gaith, Emirates executive vice-president for commercial operations worldwide, told the media at a press briefing.Emirates has more than 100 aircraft on order for delivery up to 2012.

Emirates on Wednesday celebrated the launch of its direct flights to Beijing, its 85th destination in 57 countries.

Beijing is Emirates' third destination in China to which it operates 31 weekly passenger flights and 16 weekly cargo flights.

The airline is expected to double the frequency before the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

"We have witnessed a 60 per cent seat load factor on the sector during the first few days of opening the route last week," Ghaith said.

Unique Position

"Emirates is in a unique position to help boost tourism, trade and business, not only because of the geographical position of Dubai, but also because just as China is in relation to the world, we are one of the fastest-growing airlines in the industry.

"From Dubai we quickly and conveniently connect cargo and passengers to more than 80 destinations worldwide.

"They include 23 in North America and Europe, 14 in Africa and 13 in the Middle East key markets for the growing export industry in China. By 2010 we will fly to more than 100 destinations."

Emirates is the second Gulf airline to serve Beijing after Qatar Airways.

Emirates has launched a long-term internal and external communications campaign to promote Beijing across its network, which will boost tourism and trade into the city and the provinces.

"We have also signed interline agreements with Air China and China Eastern Airlines to offer services to passengers who wish to travel beyond Beijing," he said.

"As the capital of one of the oldest civilisations in the world, Beijing has held travellers spellbound throughout the centuries, reinforced by Marco Polo's accounts of his travels in the 13th century along the Silk Route and in the city.

"Beijing holds a special place in history, a position cemented by winning the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

"As the political, cultural and educational nerve-centre of one of the fastest-growing economies of the world, Beijing is of enormous importance to Emirates' route network."