Emirates is a captivating airline. By many metrics, I’d argue it’s the phrase’s most profitable airline, not simply in the way in which that it turns a direct revenue, but additionally in the way in which that it has put Dubai on the map, and has made it a worldwide vacation spot.
Whereas Emirates is considered one of many world’s finest airways, the truth is that the provider invests selectively (and neatly, I’d argue). The corporate is nice at creating halo results with sure options (just like the A380 onboard bathe and bar), after which providing a subpar product in different areas (just like the airline is simply now getting round to upgrading its seven-across angled enterprise class on the 777).
Having simply handed via Dubai once more after my Emirates A350 enterprise class flight, I can’t assist however pose a query…
Emirates’ Dubai lounge scenario leaves lots to be desired
Dubai Worldwide Airport (DXB) is an enormous hub, and to Emirates’ credit score, the airline gives ample lounge capability. The airline has each top notch lounges and enterprise class lounges in Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C, and so they’re all spacious (notably the Concourse A one, which is the biggest lounge on the planet, for each top notch and enterprise class, because it spans virtually the complete concourse).
Right here’s the factor — Emirates has completed a fantastic job updating its onboard product, as interiors are going from the outdated “Las Vegas within the Nineteen Nineties” theme, to truly trying elegant, and like one thing that doesn’t make you wish to shut your eyes.
Nonetheless, Emirates lounges throughout the board proceed to have a relatively outdated design, for my part. For instance, on my present journey, I spent probably the most time within the Concourse C lounge, which is admittedly the weakest of the bunch. Sure, it wasn’t that busy, and sure, the meals choice is stable. Nonetheless, the design simply… isn’t it.
Whereas I’d say the opposite lounges are a bit nicer, they nonetheless really feel actually outdated, for my part. The Emirates First Lounge Concourse A might be the very best amongst them, and to me it looks like a design you’d anticipate from 15+ years in the past.
It’s fairly a distinction to Emirates’ two greatest opponents within the area. The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Enterprise Lounge Doha is beautiful, as is the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge Doha.
In the meantime the Etihad Enterprise Lounge Abu Dhabi feels expansive and trendy, and the Etihad First Lounge Abu Dhabi is a pleasant extension of that.
Is Emirates going to put money into its lounges in some unspecified time in the future?
All of this raises the query of whether or not Emirates will really put money into its lounges in some unspecified time in the future, and make them extra aggressive. Not like so many different airways, Emirates doesn’t have a problem with not having enough lounge capability, in order that leaves the provider effectively positioned.
I believe redesigning Emirates’ lounges wouldn’t really be that tough, for the reason that “bones” would stay the identical, and simply the furnishings and among the finishes would have to be up to date. Admittedly given what number of lots of of hundreds of sq. ft of lounge house Emirates has, that’s nonetheless an enormous mission.
Emirates hasn’t introduced any form of plans to revamp these lounges, so I’m wondering if perhaps the airline has simply determined that the present setup is okay? Remember a key element right here, which is that in 2032, Emirates will transfer from its present residence at DXB, to DWC (Dubai World Central Airport, or Dubai Al Maktoum Airport, in the event you want).
So realistically, these lounges are solely in service for one more six years. I’m inclined to assume Emirates most likely isn’t planning any main adjustments, and by 2030, there’s no denying that these lounges would look much more outdated. However the actuality is that Emirates can get away with it, and Emirates tends to maintain doing issues for so long as it may possibly get away with it.
It’s much like how Emirates launched its “Sport Changer” top notch again in 2017, and 9 years later, you’ll discover the product on 9 planes. The airline might retrofit that product on current planes because it reconfigures the remainder of the cabins, however has determined there’s no motive to spend the cash, whereas additionally lowering capability by two seats.
Backside line
At this level, it merely can’t be ignored that Emirates’ lounges in Dubai aren’t to the identical stage as these of Gulf opponents. The airline definitely has enough lounge capability and fairly good meals and drinks, however it’s the design the place the airline falls brief a bit.
Whereas Emirates typically does wait longer than different airways would possibly to make investments, one has to imagine that one thing will occur in the end. I believe the wild card right here is that Emirates is anticipated to maneuver to a brand new airport in 2032, so I’m wondering if we might simply see the airline preserve the present setup till then.
What do you make of Emirates’ lounge setup in Dubai, and do you assume we’ll see any additional investments?
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