Emirates Airlines divisional senior vice president, Richard Vaughan, dismissed criticism from the Australian press that the carrier puts profits before safety in managing pilot’s fatigue risk.  He said in a statement “Emirates reiterates its absolute commitment to safety. Emirates is a world leader in the management of pilot fatigue and alertness.”  The Dubai carrier strongly refuted allegations in the Australian press that pilots expressed concern that “safety is increasingly impaired.” 

Vaughn explained that their Fatigue Risk Management System constantly monitors pilot alertness across a broad spectrum of criteria.  He expressed surprise that the press reports did not include data Emirates provided and said the “one sided articles were published based on statements from anonymous persons.”  Vaughan noted that Emirates uses two Captains and two First Officers on its long haul flights, while most other have only one Captain.