First Class luxury back on Emirates flights from Colombo

Travellers out of Colombo can now experience the luxury of Emirates’ First Class service, following the introduction of three-class configuration on selected flights.

The award-winning Dubai-based carrier has replaced the Airbus A330 aircraft it operated on flight EK 552 to Dubai on Mondays and Thursdays, with Boeing 777 aircraft with 14 and 12 First Class seats respectively, with effect from March 31st, 2008.

As a result, passengers who wish to travel First Class from Colombo onwards can now do so twice a week and consequently earn more Skywards Miles from Emirates’ Frequent Flyer Programme, noted Emirates’ Sales Manager Sri Lanka, Devika Ellepola.

With an all-pervading air of luxury and exclusivity, Emirates’ First Class travel truly sets passengers in a class of their own. From the plush airport lounges with full business facilities to the ultra swift check-in and boarding, First Class passengers are pampered from the moment their journey begins - until they leave the comfort of their seats to be whisked in style to their final destination.

On the Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft, the roomy sleeper seats are separated by wide aisles and are equipped with electronically-controlled leg rest, lumbar support and adjustable headrests. The personal swivel table stored in the armrest slides aside at a touch. Ample wardrobe and overhead locker space is provided and all passengers receive exclusive complimentary amenity kits on night flights. Each First Class cabin has two exclusive toilets for the use of passengers.

“The return of First Class services on Emirates flights departing Colombo after more than nine years would be welcomed by many of our frequent flyers,” Mrs Ellepola said. “This is a development that we have worked towards because we believe there is potential in the market.”

The possibility of introducing aircraft in three-class configuration on more flights out of Colombo would be explored as the year progresses, she said.

One of the world’s fastest-growing international airlines, Emirates operates 17 flights a week from Colombo to Dubai and four flights a week from Colombo to Singapore and Jakarta. The airline now serves 100 destinations and has already announced plans to start services to Calicut, India and Guangzhou, China, on 1st July followed and to Los Angeles on 1st September.