Emirates, the largest operator of international First Class travel – offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, has introduced new enhancements for its premium guests. Continuing to upgrade the airlines’ First Class ‘Fly Better’ experience, Emirates has unveiled an array of new improvements for First Class customers; from keepsake menus to gloved service, luxurious lounge-inspired check-in areas in Dubai, to the memorable ritual of unlimited caviar onboard.
Finessing the finer details of hospitality and service, the latest enhancements onboard Emirates’ First Class include a newly designed keepsake menu which tells an explorative story of Emirates’ wine selection and culinary inspirations. Customers can discover the heritage of rare bottles handpicked from renowned châteaux, with full tasting profiles and suggested pairings for an elevated dining experience. First Class customers are now invited to savour their unlimited caviar in elegant new Emirates engraved bowls, designed by Robert Welch to complement Emirates’ existing range. Emirates First Class cheeseboard has also been enhanced, presented on a rustic slate, with accompanying bowls and a wooden honey dipper, in addition to its array of artisan cheeses and chutneys. Emirates First Class cabin crew provide a glove service for exceptional hospitality onboard.
Enhancing the on-ground experience for First Class customers, the First Class Check In area in Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) is also being refurbished to provide an exclusive atmosphere, featuring dedicated, personalised check-in services and a relaxing lounge design set to open in the coming weeks. Across the world, the journey for Emirates First Class customers is curated from start to finish, with complimentary access to 43 world-class, luxury lounges across the globe, and complimentary chauffeur drive for seamless door-to-door transfers across most destinations.
In addition to regular enhancements in service and hospitality, here are some of the most celebrated aspects of flying Emirates’ First Class;
An abundance of personal space and privacy
Described as a ‘hotel room in the sky,’ Emirates offers First Class customers spacious, private suites above the clouds. Innovative technologies in Emirates First Class suites include electronically controlled privacy doors on some aircraft, with personal temperature controls and adjustable mood lighting on others.
In the First Class Suites onboard the Emirates A380 for example, there are 14 flat-bed Private Suites, set in a 1-2-1 configuration, located on the upper deck. The suite offers a seat that reclines from upright position to a lie-flat bed, with an automatic door for full privacy. Inside there is ample space for work, reading, or dining, with a work desk and pull-out dining table. Similarly, in the First Class Game Changer Suite onboard the Emirates B777, there are 6 luxurious private suites with floor to ceiling doors, set in a 1-1-1 configuration.The suites offer seats that can convert to ‘zero gravity’ setting for a comfortable sleep, and thoughtfully designed privacy so customers can comfortably relax or work. A video call feature is available on Game Changer aircraft so that customers can order ‘room service’ from their suite. The private suites in the middle row have virtual windows, while window seat passengers are provided with bespoke binoculars to enjoy the views.
Restorative rest and pampering products in Emirates’ First Class
To transform seats into comfortable lie-flat beds, Emirates First Class customers are offered soft mattresses and pillows, cotton-lined duvets, including a plush, faux sheep-skin blanket on the Game Changer aircraft to support a good night’s sleep. First Class customers are also offered Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas to enhance their onboard comfort, where the microcapsule technology keeps skin hydrated during the flight. The patented technology uses billions of capsules applied to the fabric to gently release naturally moisturising Vitamin C and olive oil. The pyjamas also include matching slippers and an eye mask.
A curated array of skin and body care products are offered to First Class customers – from Byredo skincare to Bulgari perfumes and body lotions. Each First Class suite features a Byredo skincare collection designed exclusively for Emirates by the Swedish luxury brand. The Emirates First Class collection includes a towelette to cleanse and refresh the face, facial toner, eye cream, sleep oil and a pillow mist. Suites also feature a built-in illuminated vanity mirror. Emirates also collaborates with luxury Italian brand Bulgari to create exclusive designer amenity kits for long-haul passengers on select routes in First Class.
Fine dining on demand and world class drinks selection
First Class customers can dine on their own schedule, as the menu is available on demand. Orders can be placed at any time during the flight on long haul routes including à la carte multi-course meals with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Gourmet vegan dishes are available to First Class passengers on select routes, as well as a Movie Snacks Menu, featuring delicious options like Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, popcorn, and edamame. First Class customers can indulge in unlimited caviar served with seven accompaniments, including melba toast, blinis, egg, chives, white onions, sour cream, and lemon, all served with a mother-of-pearl spoon. First Class customers are offered a selection of luxury chocolates, pralines, dates, and sweets and can take away their favourites in a mini box if desired. Premium sweet and savoury snacks are also featured in each suite, with still and sparkling water. First Class customers also have an outstanding beverage collection to choose from.
Elevated entertainment in the sky
For an outstanding viewing experience – First Class customers enjoy a 32-inch FULL HD LCD screen featuring ultra-wide viewing angles, touch screen, and LED backlight linked to Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system. Customers also experience superior quality sound onboard using premium Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones, exclusively created for Emirates using noise‑cancelling technology to block out ambient cabin sounds and deliver the cleanest output. The headphones are designed to be lightweight and made of the finest materials, including sheepskin leather for a comfortable fit. Emirates’ ice offers more than 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages.
First Class on the Emirates A380 – Luxurious Shower Spa and A380 Onboard Lounge
Emirates is the first airline in the world to have introduced showers in First Class cabins. There are two Shower Spas for the exclusive use of First Class customers travelling on an A380. The shower cubicle features water temperature control, a vanity unit, wash basin, changing area, and toilet, as well as a hairdryer, full-length mirror, heated flooring, leather seating, luxury shower products and exotic flowers to create a relaxing ambience.
First Class and Business Class customers also have exclusive access to the Onboard Lounge situated at the rear of the upper deck of the A380.