EMIRATES Airline recently announced the launch of its A380 daily operations to Bangkok and thrice weekly flights to Toronto, signalling a new era of luxury air travel to Thailand and Canada.
TTN’s SHALU CHANDRAN was onboard their launch flight to Suvarnabhumi International Airport to review the airline’s offerings for business class passengers.
Emirates’ business class passengers will find it easy to check in at the numerous exclusive check-in desks and self service counters at Terminal 3. The airline also offers an online check-in facility that allows you to print your boarding pass at home.
The entire process especially during peak hours is swift and efficient. Another advantage for business class passengers is access to the spacious Emirates business class lounge at Terminal 3. The lounge, which can hold up to 1,200 passengers, has comfortable luxury seating, WiFi access, a selection of food and beverage offerings as well as shower facilities for its passengers.
Onboard, business class is on the upper deck of the A380, with 76 flat bed seats laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat comes with a soft drinks minibar and a universal remote control, allowing passengers to recline their seats into fully flat beds, stretching to two metres in length. Another favourite feature is the seat massage options, (which I have to admit, was running for almost the entire flight).
There is an elaborate menu here, created by top international chefs and complemented by the finest beverages. The entertainment is provided by their award winning ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) in-flight system, which offers over 1,000 channels of on demand audio and video choices, seen via a 17 inch LCD screen.
The onboard lounge area alongside first class, is set at the rear end of the upper deck and was the highlight of the flight.
The lounge, with its impressive 42 inch LCD screen and a bar which offers snacks and canapés, is the perfect social place for passengers to stretch their legs even more.
The service is extremely efficient and friendly, with dedicated cabin crew offering individual attention to all passengers.
The A380 is the most environmentally-advanced commercial aircraft in the sky today, with a fuel burn of three litres per 100 passenger kilometres, better than the acclaimed Toyota Prius hybrid car (which uses 4.4 litres per 100 vehicle kms).