Emirates has announced that it is offering free WiFi to all passengers once they sign up for Emirates Skywards, the airline’s frequent flyer program.
Emirates has been at the forefront of inflight Wi-Fi developments and has to date invested more than US$ 300 million dollars into onboard connectivity.
Skywards members, whether Blue, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier, travelling in any class, whether Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class will enjoy free app messaging.
Additionally, First Class passengers will have unlimited free internet if they are Skywards members, enabling them to shop or work online while in-flight, as will Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members travelling in Business Class. Platinum Skywards members have complimentary internet access in all classes.
Speaking on the development, Patrick Brannelly, SVP Retail, IFE & Connectivity commented: “Emirates has persistently worked with our service providers to optimise and improve the connectivity experience. In March we delivered about 55% more data per customer session compared to early 2022 despite the number of sessions increasing by 68% in the same period. We will continue to work to invest in upgrades and enhancements, and our A350 aircraft will arrive with the next generation of satellite connectivity already equipped.”
Emirates also announced that it will offer new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, onboard 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft – scheduled to enter service in 2024.
The airline said that the new agreement will significantly improve the passenger experience with enhanced connectivity and greater global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic.
The Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to take advantage of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, which powers the world’s first and only globally available broadband network, ensuring passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity, no matter their destination, including the North Pole.
Emirates also confirmed an investment of over US$ 350 million to equip a 50-strong fleet of A350s coming in 2024 with enhanced passenger connectivity via Thales’ AVANT Up system and Optiq – the first smart display in the industry to offer two Bluetooth connections, built-in Wi-Fi for passengers to pair multiple devices including phones, tablets, headphones or even game controllers, while supporting up to 60 watts USB-C to fast-charge personal devices.
This is just as the airline declared that its passengers can now sample an exceptional sparkling wine onboard its flight.
Welcome Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, a global exclusive to Emirates that brings the distinctive travel experience of Premium Economy Class to more destinations, including New York JFK, San Francisco, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne. As part of a robust beverage selection, the airline has procured an outstanding Australian sparkling wine as a global exclusive, providing passengers with the joy of refreshing bubbles inflight.
Described as having ‘youthful and vibrant flavours with subtle complexity,’ “Chandon Vintage Brut 2016 is a premium sparkling wine, made in the traditional method for elegance and depth. From the pristine Strathbogie and King Valley vineyards in the Victorian Mountains, the grapes are grown in rich loamy soils and flourish in the mild summer weather. The wine is then crafted with precision by experienced winemakers, who focus on climate and fruit potential to achieve the perfect acidity and freshness, with a distinctive style that reflects the locale in which it is made. The result is a remarkable sparkling wine effervescent with freshness and energy, with a six years of lees age adding a touch of refinement – and a luxurious wine that is completely exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy passengers.
A deliciously soft, fresh, and creamy wine with length and finesse, Chandon Vintage Brut 2016 is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay and 5% Meunier, where the Chardonnay grapes highlight the lime and green apple aromas, and the Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes bring home pomegranate and pink grapefruit. The spritely freshness and white flower aromas are due to a slightly younger yeast. On the palate there are lime and green apple notes, while hazelnut praline, biscuit and fresh dough add extra body. Chandon Vintage Brut 2016 is a refreshing apéritif on its own but is also highly versatile with food due to crisp acidity. Emirates Premium Economy passengers can enjoy the beverage perfectly paired with inflight meals, and throughout the flight.
Chandon Vintage Brut 2016 is the first wine ever made at Chandon Australia since its foundation in 1986. Located in the renowned Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne, it is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions with excellent form in growing sparkling wine grapes, and a reputation for top-level oenology. Chandon is also one of only three Yarra Valley vineyards to obtain Sustainability Australia accreditation.
Alongside luxurious seats, generous legroom, sophisticated cabin design and world-class inflight entertainment, Emirates Premium Economy offers passengers an elevated food and beverage experience.
In addition to the exclusive Chandon, Premium Economy Class passengers can enjoy gourmet, regionally inspired menus with generous portions, including a choice of main course. Menus are updated monthly by Emirates expert chefs, guaranteeing variety even for frequent travellers. Emirates Premium Economy cuisine is an elegant experience, served with linen napkins, fine Royal Doulton china, stainless-steel cutlery, and with liqueurs, chocolates, coffee, and tea served to round off the meal. The complimentary drinks menu also includes a selection of spirits, beers, soft drinks, and fine wines, with each beverage chosen by Emirates as a best-in-class preferred beverage for passengers, forming part of Emirates 1 billion USD investment into its wine programme since 2006.
