Unlimited caviar, zero gravity seats: Emirates reveals exciting updates to First Class experience

Dubai: Emirates has announced a series of upgrades to its First Class service, including unlimited caviar, the introduction of zero-gravity seats on select aircraft, and enhanced amenities in the air and on the ground.

The airline, the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel, offers passengers 26,800 seats a week. The airline is also said to have the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, entirely comprised of private suites.

Here are some of the updates passengers can expect during their next flights:

Cheese and caviar:

Onboard, First Class customers can now enjoy unlimited caviar served in new elegant bowls designed by luxury cutlery set designer Robert Welch. The iconic Emirates cheeseboard has also been upgraded, and a new keepsake menu details the airline's beverage and culinary offerings.

According to the airline, the First Class cheeseboard will now be presented on a rustic slate, with accompanying bowls and a wooden honey dipper and its array of artisan cheeses and chutneys. Emirates First Class cabin crew will also provide gloved service.

On-ground experience:

As for the on-ground experience for passengers, the First Class Check In area in Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) continues to undergo a refurbishment process. Passengers can look forward to an “exclusive atmosphere, featuring dedicated, personalised check-in services”. A relaxing lounge design is set to open in the coming weeks.

Emirates First Class passengers have complimentary access to 43 luxury lounges globally and complimentary chauffeur drive for seamless door-to-door transfers across most destinations.

‘Hotel room in the sky’

Described as a ‘hotel room in the sky,’ Emirates said it would continue to offer passengers spacious, private suites above the clouds. These include electronic privacy doors on some aircraft, with personal temperature controls and adjustable mood lighting on others.

Onboard the Emirates Airbius A380 superjumbo 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 an upright position to a lie-flat bed, with an automatic door for complete privacy.

Inside, there is ample space for work, reading, or dining, with a work desk and pull-out dining table. Onboard the Emirates Boeing B777 First Class Game Changer Suite, 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 a ‘zero gravity’ setting for a comfortable sleep.

Video calls

A video call feature is available on Game Changer aircraft so passengers 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, explained the airline.

Baggage allowances

Emirates First Class passengers can avail themselves of a generous 50kg luggage allowance. There is ample storage for hand luggage items in the cabin, including a full-length wardrobe, overhead stowage, baggage storage, and extra space for bags or shoes, said Emirates.

Products that pamper

To transform seats into comfortable, lie-flat beds, Emirates passengers can look forward to soft mattresses, pillows, cotton-lined duvets, and a plush, faux sheepskin blanket on the Game Changer aircraft.

Passengers will also be offered Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas to enhance 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.

Amenity kits

A curated array of skin and body care products is offered to First Class customers – from Byredo skincare to Bulgari perfumes and body lotions. Featured in each First Class suite is a Byredo skincare collection, designed exclusively for Emirates by the Swedish luxury brand.

The Emirates First Class collection includes a towelette for face cleansing and refreshing, facial toner, eye cream, sleep oil, and a pillow mist. Built-in illuminated vanity mirrors are also featured in the suites.

Exclusive designer amenity kits are also created for long-haul passengers on select routes in First Class through a collaboration between Emirates and luxury Italian brand Bulgari. Essential items such as a sustainable hairbrush, hair tie, mirror, toothbrush, shaving kit, and dental kit are included in the kits, along with signature Bulgari Le Gemme fragrances and lotions. The latest fragrances available onboard are Le Gemme Orom for women, an intense wood and amber fragrance, and Le Gemme Tygar for men, a perfume contrasting with woody and citrussy fragrances. The Bulgari bags come in four elegant leather designs featuring a rich chocolate colour for men and Champagne for women.

Fine dining on demand

First Class, customers can dine on their 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 also available to First Class passengers on select routes, and a Movie Snacks Menu features delicious options like Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, popcorn, and edamame.

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.

Entertainment in the sky

For an exceptional viewing experience, a 32-inch Full HD LCD screen with wide viewing angles, touchscreen, and LED backlight is available for First Class customers. This screen is linked to Emirates’ award-winning ICE inflight entertainment system.

Superior quality sound is also experienced through premium Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones, created exclusively for Emirates with noise-cancelling technology for the cleanest output. Lightweight design and fine materials, including sheepskin leather, are featured in these headphones for a comfortable fit.

Shower spas

On the Emirates A380, luxurious Shower Spas are available for the exclusive use of First Class passengers. Found in First Class are two Shower Spas, the first such offering by any airline. Water temperature control, a vanity unit, a wash basin, a changing area and toilet, a hairdryer, a full-length mirror, heated flooring, leather seating, and exotic flowers are included to create a relaxed ambience. Sustainable shower products from the Irish luxury organic brand Voya are provided, and Revitalise and Tranquillity ranges are available as well.

Exclusive access to the Onboard Lounge, situated at the rear of the A380’s upper deck, can also be enjoyed by First Class and Business Class customers.