Emirates' First Class Suite Lands in Durban

Last week I was invited by Emirates to experience their new First-Class cabin in Durban. It was quite the experience. We were whisked around King Shaka International Airport to an Emirates plane that had the latest First-Class cabins. This is something that Durban travellers can now experience.

Emirates has introduced its First-Class cabin in Durban in conjunction with the airline’s seasonal frequency increase of four additional flights a week, bringing the airline’s award-winning, luxury travel experience to the coastal city.

During the seasonal increase from 14 June to 04 August 2019, travellers to and from Durban can enjoy the Emirates’ First Class cabins on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER.

Staff from King Shaka International Airport and from Emirates welcome the flight | Image: Emirates

The aircraft will operate the additional flights in a three-class cabin configuration, offering eight seats in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Fouad Caunhye, Regional Manager of Emirates Southern Africa, said, “As we approach 10 years of operations to Durban, introducing our award-winning First Class experience is a milestone in our history of operations to the city. Travellers will have an opportunity to experience the luxury product offering the Emirates is so well-known for, whether they are heading to Dubai or as they connecting to popular destinations across our network including India, UK and the Far East.

Over the years we have seen Durban grow into the thriving metropolis it’s become, from its busy port facilitating global trade, to developing a vibrant culture and distinctive landscape, the city has become a hub for both trade and tourism. The seasonal frequency increase is a result of the growing demand for travel in and out of Durban,” Mr Caunhye continued.

Emirates has also launched a new menu for Durban. Travellers can now enjoy Durban’s famous Bunny Chow on flights. I also had a sample of the Peri Peri chicken dish on offer and it is worth enjoying. I also like the fact that they have paired meals with local South African wines.

Here is what you can expect:

New menu for Durban

From June, Emirates has also launched a new menu on this route; the revamped menu will consist of some local specialities in all classes to showcase the diverse culture and strong Indian influence from the city of Durban. Some of the food on offer include: Peri Peri chicken with sweet potato carpaccio, Tandoori Prawns with spiced pineapple salad and curry mayonnaise, and Durban classic Lamb Bunny Chow with traditional garnishes just to mention a few. Additionally, Emirates’ long-standing relationship with wine producers from all over the globe has allowed the airline to have access to exclusive wines - adding to their impressive wine collection. Some of the South African wineries served onboard include Ken Forrester, Porseleinberg, Klein Constantia, Waterkloof and Boekenhoutskloof.

Your own bed | Image: Fred Felton 

Emirates First Class is exactly that. First Class luxury. From comfortable suites to your own bed when you sleep. That’s right you read that correctly. Your own bed when you have to sleep. Between all the in-flight entertainment, mini-bar and so much more you might not have time to sleep.

Here are some of the features in First Class:

Emirates First Class

The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER offers First Class passengers a private suite with seats that recline to a full-flat bed and a personal electrically-controlled mini-bar. Features also include touch screen Wireless Integrated Passenger Seat Controllers for Emirates’ in-flight entertainment (ice) and seat functions, as well as a 32” HD LCD screen. With electrically-operated privacy dividers, First Class suites offer passengers maximum exclusivity – even from an adjoining suite.

Passengers flying in First Class can indulge in luxuries like Voya skincare products, exclusive to Emirates, as well as the world’s first moisturising sleepwear. The new pyjamas for First Class travellers use Hydra Active Microcapsule Technology to keep skin soft while flying. Passengers on long-haul flights also receive amenity kit bags designed exclusively by Bulgari.

All flights have on board Wi-Fi as well.

USB input for all the tech lovers | Image: Fred Felton

Passengers in every cabin class can access more than 4 000 channels of visual and audio entertainment on the airline’s award-winning ice system that features the latest movies, music, audiobooks and games. There are also family-friendly products and services for children on board, including complimentary toys, kids’ meals and movies, priority boarding for families and the use of free strollers at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Travellers can also enjoy a variety of proudly South African wines and other South African foods such as tasty ostrich meat, Rooibos tea and local cheeses on board Emirates flights.

First Class Features | Image: Fred Felton

Travellers from Durban here is a special offer just for you courtesy of Emirates:

Durban First Class offer

Travellers out of Durban can now enjoy the award-winning Emirates First Class experience at Business Class fares for the duration of the four additional weekly flights between 14 June and 04 August 2019. Passengers can experience true luxury in their private suite on board TripAdvisor’s Best First Class experience in the world.

In South Africa, two of the four daily Emirates flights to Johannesburg are served by the iconic Airbus A380 to cater to the growing demand for the airline’s successful, customer-orientated experience. Emirates also operates two daily flights to Cape Town and a daily flight to Durban using Boeing 777s.

To book, or for more information and terms and conditions, please visit https://www.emirates.com/za/english/ or visit the local Emirates office or your travel agent.

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton