Dubai: Emirates’ operations have contributed over $848 million (Dh3.11 billion) annually to India’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a statement from the airline on Thursday, citing a study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

The airline’s operations have supported over 86,000 Indian jobs and generated almost $1.7 billion in foreign exchange earnings, as per the study. Emirates operates 183 weekly flights to nine points across India, Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President — Strategic Planning, Revenue Optimisation and Aeropolitical Affairs, said in a statement. He added that air transport is a driver of India’s economy.

Aviation facilitates trade and tourism, and creates employment in many different industries.

India aims to be the third-largest aviation market by 2020 and the largest by 2030. Demand for air travel in the country is expected to double in the next 5-10 years.

“The study predicts further escalation of economic benefits for the Indian economy as Emirates grows the number of seats into India. This growth would result in direct economic contribution, multiplier effect on output and job-creation along with an induced effect on tourism,” stated NCAER’s Project Leader, Saurabh Bandyopadhyay.

In February 2014, the aeronautical authorities of India and the UAE negotiated the first expansion of seat entitlements since 2008. As a result, Dubai-based carrier was given an additional 11,000 seats per week. The NCAER study forecasts that, if Emirates were to operate an additional 4,500 weekly seats between India and Dubai, an additional 4,800 jobs would be created and foreign exchange earnings would rise to $1.8 billion with the arrival of almost 40,000 more tourists a year.

Also, if the bilateral arrangements were expanded to allow an additional 13,849 seats per week, NCAER expects Emirates’ operations would support 100,405 jobs a year, contribute $987.8 million towards GDP and boost foreign exchange earnings to $2 billion per year.

Emirates is well positioned to bring a growing number of tourists and business travellers to the country, further enabling trade and investment, according to the study.

Emirates flies to more than 140 destinations in 80 countries, according to its website.