With Christmas just around the corner, it’s fair to say that the holiday season is well and truly underway – yet it might come as a surprise that one famous airline is celebrating the season in such a big way. As a Muslim airline, the Dubai-based Emirates is better known for providing an interactive onboard Qibla compass and observing Islamic religious events.
But Emirates has always been keen to embrace the needs of its multicultural customers and in October, the carrier celebrated Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. It’s probably no surprise then, that over the last few years we’ve seen Emirates increasingly embrace Christmas.
In a staff memo, the airline said it would be celebrating the festive season in a “big way,” going on to explain: “Onboard and on the ground, we’ve filled Santa’s sack full of awesome gifts, delicious treats, superb entertainment and special offers.”
So what kind of treats are in store? Well, undoubtedly it’s young children who look forward to the 25th December the most – that’s why Emirates has launched a special limited edition ‘Come Fly With Me’ soft toy called Noel the Polar Bear.
The cute bear comes has a travel buddy sized toy for babies or a plush rucksack for older infants. The best bit is Emirates gift these to all the young ones on its flights for free!
For adults, Christmas is more about the food and drink – and that’s exactly where Emirates has concentrated its efforts. On flights to and from Europe, the USA and Australia, passengers in all classes will get to dig into a specially designed Christmas menu, inspired by the traditional gut-busting Christmas dinner.
The airline has copied the British tradition of serving a rolled turkey buffé, along with a cranberry jus lié, mashed potatoes, chicken sausage and seasonal vegetables. To finish off, passengers sat in Economy can enjoy a festive chocolate pudding with spiced ginger custard.
Meanwhile, First and Business Class passengers with a sweet tooth can choose from a chocolate & chestnut torte or yule log. There are even Santa macaroons and gingerbread men to snack on. The ultimate treat though, comes in the form of a hot chocolate made with 100% Valrhona chocolate and finished off with mini marshmallows – reserved exclusively for First Class passengers.
But if that hasn’t got you feeling Christmassy then perhaps you need to watch a good feel-good Christmas movie. Luckily, Emirates has your back and has lots to choose from on its in-flight entertainment system – options include classics like Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life. Or perhaps you could listen to some festive music with a playlist of Number 1 Christmas Hits?
The new service is now available on select Emirates flights from Dubai to Europe, Australia and the USA for the Christmas period only.
