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Inside Emirates’ Latest First Class Upgrades: Caviar Service, Keepsake Menus & Lounge Makeovers
- Angela Tam
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Emirates, already the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel, is doubling down on its premium proposition. The Dubai-based carrier has introduced a series of new enhancements across its First Class experience –both in the air and on the ground – designed to fine-tune luxury for its highest-paying passengers.
Among the upgrades: newly designed keepsake menus that delve into Emirates’ wine programme, slate cheeseboards served with artisan accompaniments, and personalised caviar service presented in engraved tableware. The move signals a continued investment in First Class at a time when other carriers are cutting back or eliminating the cabin altogether.
From dining to design: subtle refinements
Rather than a major product overhaul, Emirates’ latest announcement reads more like a curated list of refinements. First Class passengers can now enjoy unlimited caviar with traditional accompaniments — served in bespoke Robert Welch bowls — alongside multi-course meals available on demand. The cheeseboard presentation has also been upgraded with rustic slate and honey dippers, while new menus highlight tasting notes and pairings from Emirates' extensive cellar of over six million bottles.
That collection includes everything from vintage Burgundy and Bordeaux to 1979 tawny Port and future-release First Growths that won’t be served until 2037. Emirates remains the only airline to serve Dom Pérignon across all First Class routes, reinforcing its reputation as a flying wine destination in its own right.
A smoother experience on the ground
In Dubai, the Emirates First Class check-in area at Terminal 3 is undergoing a redesign that will feature more lounge-like elements and personalised service, expected to roll out in the coming weeks. First Class passengers also benefit from chauffeur-driven airport transfers in most destinations and access to 43 lounges worldwide.
Despite growing competition in premium travel — particularly from newer entrants like Qatar Airways’ QSuite or Singapore Airlines’ revamped Suites — Emirates continues to lean into classic luxury cues: privacy, service, and space.
What else is included?
The airline’s First Class suites vary by aircraft but consistently offer fully enclosed private cabins, with amenities ranging from lie-flat zero-gravity beds to video-call-enabled in-suite service on Boeing 777 “Game Changer” aircraft. For A380 passengers, there’s also access to the iconic Onboard Lounge and exclusive Shower Spa featuring organic Irish products by Voya.
Onboard, passengers are provided with moisturising pyjamas, Bulgari amenity kits, and a skincare line developed by Swedish brand Byredo. Each suite comes equipped with a vanity, minibar, and 32-inch HD screen linked to Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ICE – home to over 6,500 entertainment channels.
Emirates’ First Class, still holding firm
While some carriers have opted to scale down their First Class footprint post-pandemic, Emirates is heading in the opposite direction. The airline currently offers around 26,800 international First Class seats weekly, all in private suites, and shows no signs of slowing down.
For Emirates, the message is clear: while the commercial aviation industry continues to evolve, there’s still demand for high-touch, high-price experiences at 40,000 feet. The latest enhancements may not break the mould, but they do reinforce the airline’s commitment to remaining one of the few global carriers still elevating First Class.
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