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Originally published on www.businesstraveller.asia 30/04/2011 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Airlines » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Emirates »

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CHECK-IN Seamless. Emirates have got it right with their flagship T3 terminal, which ranks as the largest building in the world by floor space. The hospitality begins before you even arrive, with the timely arrival of a chauffeured car service, offered to first and business class passengers. After a short ride from my hotel, the car pulled up at the designated arrival bay where I was quickly ushered to a check-in counter. In less than 10 minutes I had received my boarding documents and cleared security and immigration.

THE LOUNGE If you were to look for an area of weakness in the airline’s excellent product, you’d find it here. Arriving at the 2nd floor lounge around 6am from a connecting flight is hardly relaxing, an experience that feels something like being in a European train station at rush hour.

According to the airline, the lounge is currently being upgraded to include an enhanced reception area and increased seating, which will bring the total to 1,400. The signature Timeless spa is also increasing the number of treatments. These changes will be much welcome.  

BOARDING From the lounge it was a smooth five-minute walk to the assigned first/business check-in area situated on the same level. After another inspection of documents, guests were directed to an elevator, which descended to the aircraft’s upper bridge, one of three used to access the aircraft.

THE SEAT Seat 18A was located in the first business class cabin. With the private pod-like seats positioned in a 1-2-1 layout, my first impression was one of an overriding sense of personal space. There’s a generously sized table, a large foldout dining table and a built-in console holding a selection of waters and soft drinks, noise-cancelling headphones and an amenity kit. There are bins on either side of the seat, in the seat back as well as a shoe storage department. When it comes time to recline, the seat comes into its own, revealing a fully flat 180 degrees and measuring an impressive 79 inches. Once the mattress was fitted after take off, it really did feel like a bed with no weird bumps or joints.

THE FLIGHT True to its reputation, the cabin was almost eerily quiet and one can hardly imagine there is an entire economy cabin below.

Throughout the flight, meal service was thoughtfully planned, allowing enough time for work, sleep or exploration of the extensive and impressive IFE system. A remote control for the high-definition monitor was provided. If hunger strikes, you can choose from a selection of made-to-order light bites or wander to the bar at the rear of the upper cabin, which offers restocked snacks including mini quiches.

Three hours before touchdown lunch service began, starting with a selection of cold canapés followed by a selection of appetisers (the Arab mezze plate was superb) and a choice of four main meals (from an Indian-style chicken dish to an Asian-leaning grilled salmon). I selected the braised beef with vegetables, served with beef jus, accompanied by puy lentils and fine garlic mashed potatoes. Moist and delicious, this was not the kind of food I am accustomed to receiving from an airline galley kitchen. The wine list straddled the new and old worlds with ease. The 2006 Domaine Bouchard Pere Meursault 2006 accompanied the Arab mezze plate and the 2000 Château Cantemerle paired perfectly with the beef.

ARRIVAL As smooth as can be. The plane touched down at 1350 exactly and we pulled into the gate promptly (a surprise for JFK). Deplaning was smooth and straightforward. After clearing immigration there was a separate baggage carousel dedicated to business and first and the bags had already been delivered.

Verdict Exemplary. With the arrival of their much-lauded Airbus A380 Emirates provides possibly the best and most luxurious way to reach the US East Coast. The airline’s myriad connections throughout the Middle East and beyond make it an attractive option for those wanting to reach the States in style. Overall, it was a memorable and very comfortable flight.

Aaron Peasley

PLANE TYPE A380

SEAT CONFIGURATION 1-2-1

SEAT PITCH 39in/84cm and 48in/122cm, which extend to 70in/178cm to 79in/201cm

SEAT WIDTH 18.5in/47cm

PRICE At press time, a business class return ticket between Dubai and New York City starts from US$6,506 (all inclusive)

CONTACT www.emirates.com

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