Emirates Airline has just unveiled its next-generation global lounge concept, which we can expect to be introduced at more lounges as time goes on. While Emirates is a high quality airline, the carrier’s global lounge network has always left a little to be desired, in my opinion, so I’m delighted to see these changes. I’ve written in the past about my disappointment with Emirates’ outstation lounges, and the airline addressed every one of my criticisms… except one.
Anyway, Emirates’ new lounge design concept is debuting in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), and those lounges serve as a blueprint for the new brand standard concept going forward. After that, we’re expected to see the concept rolled out in Manchester (MAN) in July, in Mauritius (MRU) in August, and in Istanbul (IST) in October.
With these updates, we’re seeing the lounge aesthetics change greatly, to reflect Emirates’ latest cabin interiors. Emirates has moved away from its “1990s Las Vegas casino chic bling” design to something a bit more understated, and we’re going to see that in lounges as well. Here’s how the airline describes that:
Inspired by the elegant palette of Emirates’ cabin interiors and the flagship lounges of Dubai, customers will benefit from more than 50 design enhancements, including distinct zones for relaxation, work, socialising and dining. The new signature lounges display an unmistakably Emirates aesthetic, with discreetly integrated lighting, herringbone floors throughout, accents of marble and gold, and the signature backlit Emirates Ghaf Tree motif – a nod to UAE culture highlighting the national tree.
Of course these lounges have been better than the typical Priority Pass or contract lounges, but that’s about all I could say. It just seems like if you’re going to invest so much money in these lounges, they should have a “wow” factor, like Qatar Airways’ out station lounges.
These lounges generally had a lot of (uninspiring) seating, and buffets with a solid selection of food. But beyond that, these lounges have been really underwhelming, in my opinion. The airline had a high end liquor selection, but then didn’t have a bartender. There was no barista coffee. The food just felt the same everywhere, with no effort made to make dining experiential. The showers were typically terrible, and were just little rooms with no toilets or sinks, inside the gender segregated restrooms.
So I have to give Emirates credit, as these changes look excellent. I think the new design aesthetic looks beautiful, and it’s distinctly Emirates while being less gaudy and more modernized. The food and drink selection seems massively improved. I love the concept of zones for relaxation, and improved shower suites. Emirates really listened to feedback here, so great job.
