Emirates wants to triple the size of it’s fleet over the next ten years. Towards that end, it has placed orders for 26 Boeing 777-300ER planes and is expected to place an order for 23 Airbus 380 super jumbo jets (bringing it’s total of on-order A380s to 45).

One reason that Emirates is in a position to expand is the quality of it’s inflight service. Another reason is the success of it’s loyalty program. Emirates won several Freddie Awards in the “international” (non-U.S.) division this year: best affinity credit card, best website, best customer service, best award redemption, best elite level, and program of the year.

I had the opportunity to meet a couple of folks from the Emirates Skywards program at the Freddies this year, and can report that they are a real class act. Kashmira Motiwalla in particular was wonderful to talk with.

I haven’t flown them yet, but am really looking forward to.