Emirates to open luxurious dedicated lounges

Emirates yesterday unveiled plans to introduce dedicated airport lounges in several destinations across its network, catering to its First and Business class passengers.

Over the next two years, Emirates will invest more than AED 50 million (US $13.6 million) to develop its own lounges, providing those customers with luxurious sanctuaries to rest and refresh during their travels. Emirates' First and Business class passengers travelling outside of Dubai currently access lounge services provided by partner airlines, or the local airport operator.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group said: "Part of Emirates' success lies in our ability to continually innovate, to provide a quality product and superior service. Starting our own dedicated airport lounges is another step in that direction - allowing us to better cater to the travel needs of our passengers."

"In the next two years alone, we are looking to launch about a dozen lounges in different locations around the world. Several of the lounges are currently in development, with the first facility, in Brisbane, expected to be ready this month," he added.

Simply named "The Emirates Lounge", each facility is designed to first-class specifications and fittings. Wearing the same stamp of exclusivity and luxury, the new lounges will be modelled after Emirates' multi award-winning First Class Lounge in Dubai, which has garnered accolades such as the Airline Lounge of the Year, Skytrax - The World's Best Airline Lounges Awards 2003.

Said Dale Griffith, Emirates' Senior Vice President for Airport Services: "The comfort and needs of our passengers are always at the top of our considerations in planning the lounges. Actual layout and facilities will vary from location to location, but passengers can expect the same high standards of service that they are accustomed to at our home base in Dubai airport."

Signature touches consistent throughout all Emirates lounges worldwide include: designer showers, cream leather couches, Internet access facilities, a distinctive water feature, and 24-hour refreshments with full bar service and a gourmet selection of both hot and cold food.

The Emirates Lounges will cater to Emirates' First and Business Class passengers, as well as Gold and Silver members of Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan Airlines.