Whenever I’ve stepped aboard an Emirates airliner bound for Thailand, despite regular attempts to glimpse to my left and into the nirvana that is First-Class; I have never succeeded in seeing how the other half fly!! “Sorry Sir, you are down to the right” I am abruptly told!
That is until now! No, I didn’t win the lottery, or achieve an elusive? ‘up-grade’, I was given journalistic access to the promised land by invitation of the airline itself, keen as they were to show-off to the world their brand-new First-Class cabin. Before you think ‘wow’, airlines are being very generous these days, I should add, we didn’t actually take-off!
Emirates was founded back in 1985 by Dubai’s Royal family, originally connecting the UAE with London and other key European capitals. These days they fly to 157 destinations across 83 countries.
The Dubai to Phuket sector is catered for by the extended version of the Boeing 777. Bangkok can receive the big beast that is the A380, but with Phuket’s shorter runway, the A380 would come to a halt with its nose wheel in the Andaman Sea.
The airline describes the 777 First-Class experience as “having your own private hotel room in the sky”, and it certainly is that.
EMIRATES FIRST-CLASS SUITES
To call it a ‘first-class seat’ is understating it by an air-mile; it’s actually a ‘suite’ by any definition of the word. Equipped with luxurious touches that provide butler-standard privacy and comfort, including ambient lighting controls, fast WI-FI, vanities, crudites, minibars, and a widescreen TV with over five thousand channels.
Once settled in, and relaxed, you can literally close the door to your own private world. The seat itself has a variety of settings, including a ‘zero-gravity’ mode, developed using NASA technology.
And when it’s time for bed, call the cabin crew, and your seat gets morphed into a flatbed, complete with linen sheets and pillows.
Perhaps the coolest feature on the 777 is that, even if you are in the centre aisle suite, which means you don’t have a window to look out of, you can still watch the sunset through the virtual HD window, which gives you the same view, albeit simulated.
IN-FLIGHT AMENITIES AND MENUS
Your personal amenity pack is packed with Bvlgari product, including the exclusive Bvlgari Le Gemme fragrance, and a range of Byredo skin care ointments.
As you would expect, dining options are a la carte. Depending on the sector, Emirates offer regionally inspired menus, including halal-certified and vegan offerings. Can’t decide? Too much choice? The three-course meal of the day is for you then.
For something a bit more decadent you can always partake in the champagne and caviar experience… unlimited dollops of Persian caviar, washed down with Dom Perignon of course.
The drinks programme is extensive, with some of the worlds’ greatest wines on offer. Apparently, all wines served in First-Class have been kept in the Emirates cellar for an average of 12-15 years after they were originally purchased. Just to be clear, there isn’t an actual wine cellar on board!
For more information about Emirates First-Class and to book a flight, scan below.
