My friend, the great Maurice Flanagan,
Emirates Airline chief executive who built the company into the world’s
largest international airline, died on Thursday at his home in London.
He was 86.
We spent some days together in Dubai, but spent countless
additional hours just talking. We talked about everything—aviation,
old movies, the big band music Maurice loved.
Maurice was a good guy. He was a role model and a mentor
for me throughout the years.
He read constantly. Maurice could usually be found in
a book even on a quick car trip to a meeting in Dubai. He inspired me
to start reading more, although I prefer non-fiction.
Whenever we spoke, we would share our latest read.
Mr. Flanagan was made a Commander of the British Empire
in 2000.
In 2010 he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order
of the British Empire.
When I called him Sir. Maurice, he would just laugh
softly.
I knew he loved the honor and I always admired his ability
to remain a regular person despite the title.
Although we had not spoken much since he retired from
Emirates, he holds a special place in my heart.
He always will.
Geoffrey |
