A ceremony was held in Dubai recently to launch a commemorative line of postal stamps recalling the rich heritage of aviation and its contribution to the amazing growth and development of Dubai.
     Many important people attended the event, including HRH Sheikh Maktoum (pictured far right), but what caught our eye was the man in the dark suit, seated in a wheel chair in the front row.
     It’s nice to see Sir Maurice Flanagan, one of the founders of Emirates Airline, looking well and back in Dubai, where he made history as a key figure in the creation of one of the greatest airline success stories in aviation history.
     Sir Maurice retired to London (Kensington) in 2012.
     But gone is not forgotten, as Maurice, who has been dealing with some old football injuries, had lost none of his fire, wit, and genteel civility when he told Management Today:
     “I joined BOAC in 1953. (Bastards Overseas Avoiding Conscription, as it was known.)
     “Got posted to Kano, Calcutta, Tripoli, Bangkok.
     “You saluted the captain and flag as you taxied out in those days. Lovely organization.
     “We arrived in Dubai in 1978.
     “Now it's like Venice in its pomp.
     “It's a city of merchants—a medieval court with king and barons.
     “Emirates is now a top airline of the world, and in 2014 is the equivalent of the Venetian fleet.”
     Ah, Maurice!
     Let’s hope they see fit to issue a stamp to honor Maurice Flanagan.
Geoffrey

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