Emirates has closed 2004 with a premium
accolade. The global business information website Forbes.com has just
selected Emirates as offering the “Best First Class 2004” from among 10 top
contenders. Recently the airline had been selected by the leading travel publication
Globe Traveler, US for providing the “Best Overall Amenity Kit” in First and
Business Class.

Both honours come in the wake of the start of Emirates’ services to New York
in June, with its ultra-modern A340-500 aircraft that offers First Class
passengers mini-suites, personal mini-bars, room service and complete
privacy.

 

Forbes.com evaluated the First Class service of top airlines on the basis of
13 criteria that included flat beds, privacy screens, on-demand television
and food, limousine service, massage chairs and even pyjamas and duvets
provided to passengers. Emirates emerged as the clear leader with a 12-point
score. Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Air France were the runners-up, at
10 points each.

 

About Emirates’ First Class the Forbes.com article noted:  “In the air,
passengers are treated to flat beds with massaging chairs, on demand dining
and on demand entertainment with over 500 channels. Amenity kits are stocked
with Clarins products, and there’s a lit vanity built into the seat.

 

“The fully-flat sleeper beds have a mattress pad for extra cushioning, and
passengers are given pajamas, slippers and a blanket…. Privacy screens
with “do not disturb” signs can create a cocoon shelter around the bed,
ensuring privacy and peace.”

 

Nigel Page, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations The
Americas said: “This is a great recognition of the Emirates quality service.
It’s all the more significant considering we began our non-stop daily
flights to the U.S. just over six months ago. We know that we treat our
First Class passengers to an outstanding experience, but now you don’t need
to take our word for it - Forbes agrees that Emirates’ First Class is really
the best in the skies.”

 

Emirates won several distinguished awards throughout 2004, across a wide
spectrum of its services, such as “Best Airline - Silver Award” at Skytrax
Airline of the Year Awards 2004, and “Best Airline Based in the Middle
East/Indian Sub-Continent” from Official Airline Guide (OAG).
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