Emirates just unveiled their brand new first class product and I’m not gonna lie, it looks pretty amazing. They didn’t follow in Etihad and Singapore Airlines’ footsteps, with separate beds and lounge chairs. Instead Emirates opted to provide first class passengers with more privacy and put less emphasis on personal space. In lieu of separate beds (or even double beds), Emirates will be sticking with their traditional dual purpose lie-flat seat concept but modify the space to make it much more private.
The new Emirates First Class Suite will not just have sliding doors, but floor-to-ceiling walls for ultimate privacy. Additionally, the “blingy” color palette has been toned way down. The new colors are modern and chic and the warm accent lights create an elegant yet inviting space. Don’t get me wrong. There’s still plenty of gold; it’s just muted and more refined now.
The suites will have a bigger footprint than before, and the seat count will drop from eight to six suites on the Boeing 777-300ERs and from 14 to 11 on the Airbus A380s. When Sir Tim Clark said the new first class suite would be akin to a private cabin on a luxury train, he wasn’t kidding. This is exactly what it looks like.
The new first class suites will measure 40 square feet and feature a wide flat-bed seat. There will also be a writing desk with extra storage, LCD panel controller with video calling for room service, 32-inch entertainment monitor with wireless remote controller, personal mini bar, wardrobe closet and more storage spaces than you will know what to do with. Oh, and window curtains. Yes, window curtains because plastic window shades and electronic dimmers are so 2016.
But wait, what about the center suites? Will they still need window curtains? Yes, they will. And that’s because the center suites will have virtual windows with live HD projections of the outside world. Now, every seat in the first class cabin will be a window seat.
Do you like personal service but don’t like interacting with others? Well, now you won’t have to. Just use your LCD video calling to order drinks, snacks or anything else and your items will be delivered to you through your own personal service window.
And if all that weren’t enough. Emirates’ new first class suites will also feature personal climate and lighting controls for the individual suites. That’s right. PERSONAL CLIMATE CONTROL!! How amazing is that?
When you’re ready for bed, the crew will naturally offer a turn down service and slide your bed closer to the wall. This will provide extra space in between your bed and the door and allow you to change in and out of your pajamas without having to visit the lavatory.
And here’s a quick video Emirates made to show off their new first class suite.
Overall Thoughts
I’m loving Emirates’ new first class suite. Don’t get me wrong. Having a dedicated bed (or even a double bed for couples) is cool but I really love what Emirates has imagined here. I love the high privacy walls. I love the new color scheme and simple touches of refinement and I love the new high-tech features such as the virtual windows and video calling.
But what I really appreciate most about this new product are the personal climate and lighting controls. For me, this really takes the cake because it allows for personalization in a space where customization is not always possible. Now you can leave your window shades open all flight or crank the AC all the way down and then snuggle underneath those cozy comforters for a perfect flight’s rest. Personalization lets you be you and in the eyes of first class passengers, there’s really nothing more to ask for.
The new first class suites will be introduced on the Dubai to Brussels and Geneva flights starting on December 1, 2017.
So what do you guys think? Is Emirates’ new first class suite a game changer? Pleases let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
More information about Emirates new first class suite can be found here. And credit to Chris Chamberlin over at Australian Business Traveler for breaking the news here.
