After months of being grounded and then gradually taking to the skies with modified service levels, Emirates is now reintroducing some of the popular upscale features on its A380s. From Thursday, the airline is bringing back first-class showers and the business class bar. The news is sure to please long-haul customers on the upper deck.
A380 first class showers to reopen
When resuming flights after slowly emerging from the coronavirus emergency, Emirates, like many other airlines, had to modify its levels of service to ensure the safety of passengers and cabin crew. But a report today by One Mile At A Time revealed that the Dubai-based carrier is to resume some of its top tier services on Airbus A380 aircraft.
From Thursday, October 15, first class passengers will be able to take advantage of the two shower spas onboard each A380. The aircraft has dedicated shower attendants who, for the last several months, have been working as bathroom attendants keeping the lavatories clean and safe for customers while the shower facilities have not been in operation.
Resumption of business class Onboard Lounge service
Thursday also sees the reopening of the business Onboard Lounge on Emirates A380s. The bar and social area are located behind the business class cabin at the rear of the upper deck. The bar has been closed and unattended for the last few months as the airline implemented social distancing and safety measures.
While Emirates is reopening the Onboard Lounge, the service will be at a modified level. Rather than returning as a social gathering area, the bar will be a means of ordering a drink easily, and the number of passengers entering will be strictly limited.
The airline is rightly proud of its upper deck lounge with its white onyx, edge-illuminated horseshoe bar, and comfortable lounge and bar furniture. Ironically, with its state-of-the-art HEPA air filters offering superior ventilation, the A380’s bar is currently safer than many establishments at ground level.
Resumption of other premium inflight services
As well as the reopening of the showers and lounge on the A380, Emirates is resuming several other premium inflight service elements on all aircraft types. First class passengers will once again be escorted to their seats, and the social area at the front of the cabin will reopen. Before meals, the attendants will offer the traditional drink service and nuts, the full first-class drinks list will be reinstated, and the turndown service will be provided once again. Business class customers can also expect the drinks service and turndown service.
Emirates Skywards celebrates 20 rewarding years with 27 million members. Since its inception, the award-winning loyalty program has pioneered industry-leading initiatives, offering members unmatched benefits and rewards. https://t.co/7vhCNNtP4n #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter pic.twitter.com/4kIEeM9pMn
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) October 11, 2020
Emirates is emerging strongly from the crisis
This week, Emirates reached a milestone of more than 27 million customers joining its Skywards frequent flyer program in the 20 years since its inception. As the airline moved back towards resuming a full schedule, it announced at the end of September that it would be operating to almost 100 destinations from October.
Emirates’ recovery from the pandemic has not been all plain sailing though. While it received a government bailout of $2 billion in August, it was also revealed that the carrier had issued $1.4 billion in refunds. The airline warned of possible job cuts, and flight crew were asked to take unpaid leave.
Have you experienced the first-class showers on an Emirates A380? Tell us about it in the comments.
