Emirates APEX Award Recognition Highlights Customer Experience Focus

Emirates APEX Award Win Reflects Passenger Feedback Across Key Service Areas

Emirates has been recognised as the ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, with the announcement made during a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland.

The award is based on verified passenger feedback and reflects customer ratings across five key categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Focus on Passenger Comfort

Passengers travelling on Emirates’ Airbus A380, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft continue to benefit from cabin designs focused on comfort and convenience. The airline’s ongoing fleet refurbishment programme includes the introduction of updated seating and cabin features across multiple aircraft types.

From October 2026, Emirates Economy Class passengers will begin experiencing the new Safran Z400 seats, featuring adjustable eight-way headrests designed to improve neck and head support during flights.

Premium Economy cabins offer wider seats, increased recline, dedicated leg and footrests, charging points, and personal entertainment screens, while Business Class customers can access fully lie-flat seats, wireless charging, enhanced storage solutions, and privacy-focused cabin designs.

In First Class, private suites include electronically controlled doors, personal climate settings and lie-flat beds designed to support rest on long-haul journeys.

Cabin Service Remains a Key Focus

Emirates’ multinational cabin crew represent more than 140 nationalities and speak over 70 languages. The airline’s service philosophy focuses on attentiveness, consistency and personalised customer care.

Crew members undergo extensive training programmes covering both technical and hospitality skills, helping them deliver a smooth onboard experience throughout the journey.

Dining Across All Cabins

Food and beverage remain important elements of the Emirates travel experience. Passengers across all cabin classes receive meals inspired by international cuisines, along with a range of beverages and special meal options that cater to dietary, medical, and cultural requirements.

Premium Economy and Business Class customers receive enhanced dining presentations, while First Class passengers have access to dine-on-demand services and a broad selection of premium food and beverage options.

The airline also introduces seasonal menus and special meals during major international celebrations and festivals throughout the year.

Extensive Inflight Entertainment

Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment platform currently offers more than 6,500 channels of content, including films, television programmes, music, podcasts, documentaries, live sports and educational content.

The platform includes content from major global media providers and offers passengers access to a broad range of entertainment options throughout their journey.

Expansion of Onboard Connectivity

The airline continues to expand onboard connectivity through its partnership with Starlink.

Announced in November 2025, the programme will see Starlink installed across Emirates’ active fleet, with completion expected by mid-2027. The service allows passengers to browse the internet, stream content, work remotely and stay connected while travelling.

To date, 33 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and the first three Airbus A380 aircraft have been equipped with the system, with further installations planned across the fleet.

The APEX recognition highlights Emirates’ continued investment in passenger experience across comfort, service, dining, entertainment and connectivity, based on direct feedback from travellers.

For more travel and tourism content, follow Safari India.