The Dubai-based Emirates Airline has become the first international airline to open a dedicated passenger lounge in India launched one at the Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
A press release issued by the airline said the lounge would play host to Emirates’ first class and business class passengers as well as members of Skywards Gold, its frequent flyer programme.
“This lounge is part of our commitment to provide world-class services to our passengers. With the exclusive Emirates lounge in Mumbai, combined with our trademark Chauffeur Drive Service, our First and Business Class passengers will enjoy greater comfort and convenience when travelling from their doorstep through to their final destination,” Mr Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President – Airport Services, said.
Set over an area of more than 650 square metres, the lounge can accommodate 100-plus guests at a time, including 38 fine diners and seven in the business centre, the release said.
Emirates operates five daily flights from Mumbai. Among other facilities, the lounge has complimentary broadband Internet connections, telephones, designer leather sofas and massage recliners. The wi-fi enabled lounge also has flat-screen televisions, designer bathrooms with shower facilities, including one exclusive provision for the physically challenged, and an extensive collection of international and local newspapers and magazines. Additionally, the Emirates lounge has two widescreen displays alerting passengers of their flight schedules.
Guests can treat themselves at the 24-hour buffet serving Indian, Arabic, Italian and Continental cuisine, the release said.
Emirates operates 35 weekly flights from Dubai to Mumbai and an overall 184 weekly flights to 10 Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.