Dubai, UAE, 29 April 2025: Emirates clinched four gongs at the prestigious Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) 2025 awards last night, including ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ for the twelfth consecutive year.
The airline also took home ‘Best First Class’, ‘Best Premium Economy Class’ and ‘Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East’.
Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre, and Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President, Skywards, received the awards on Emirates’ behalf. The awards honour excellence across the business travel ecosystem, underpinned by a transparent public voting process to recognise top-level work and innovations helping to shape the future of the travel industry.
The wins represent the airline’s continuous investment to evolve what is already an exceptional experience onboard and on the ground across all classes.
Since 2022, Emirates’ retrofit programme, which will see 219 aircraft completely receive a nose-to-tail refresh has picked up its momentum, and today, 51 aircraft have been fully upgraded. The airline also took delivery of its first A350, equipped with its next generation products and latest technologies.
Existing upgraded aircraft and new A350s continue to be deployed to new cities, offering customers more opportunities to enjoy a seamless and consistent experience, whether they are travelling to or through Dubai. By the end of this year, the airline will serve over 70 cities worldwide with refurbished Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, and new A350s.
The airline’s First-Class experience continues to be the gold standard for luxury commercial travel, and customers can look forward to the ultimate in comfort with fully enclosed private suites, unlimited caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne, luxurious hydra-active pyjamas, Byredo skincare and sustainable Voya shower products, as well as Bulgari amenity kits to stay refreshed throughout long haul flights.
Emirates Premium Economy Class has been widely hailed, already winning multiple awards worldwide since its introduction in 2022. Along with 219 Boeing 777s and A380s, 65 Emirates A350s feature Premium Economy Class, making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience. Premium Economy offers a travel experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and premium culinary experiences, finished off by its exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.
On the ground, the airline’s three First Class Lounges at Dubai International Airport offer everything from a dedicated premium duty-free shopping area, à la carte dining with a multitude of menu options, a Timeless spa with complimentary services, a wine cellar providing a unique opportunity to view, taste and purchase a range of exquisite wines, a cigar bar, and much more.
Building Brand Love
According to Brand Finance, Emirates’ brand value doubled to US $8.4 billion in 2024, up 27% over the previous year, as traveller preferences continue to evolve towards more premium experiences. The latest rankings have also placed it amongst the top five most valuable airline brands in the world, the the most valuable airline brand outside the US, as well as the most valuable Middle Eastern Airline brand.
The airline’s solid brand positioning is grounded in its commitment to delivering best-in-class products and services both in the air and on the ground and staying attuned to traveller needs. The airline’s network expansion across continents, and inspiring sponsorship campaigns known for bold, distinctive approaches have also captured attention and bolstered its brand equity on the global stage.