Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline that flies to Malta thrice weekly, has closed 2004 with a premium accolade. The global business information website Forbes.com has just selected Emirates as offering the “Best First Class 2004” from among 10 top contenders.

Recently the airline had been selected by the leading travel publication Globe Traveler, US for providing the “Best Overall Amenity Kit” in First and Business Class.

Both honours come in the wake of the start of Emirates’ services to New York in June, with its ultra-modern A340-500 aircraft which offers First Class passengers mini-suites, personal mini-bars, room service and complete privacy.

Forbes.com evaluated the first class service of top airlines on the basis of 13 criteria which included flat beds, privacy screens, on-demand television and food, limousine service, massage chairs as well as pyjamas and duvets provided to passengers. Emirates emerged as the clear leader with a 12-point score. Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Air France were the runners-up, at 10 points each.

About Emirates’ First Class the Forbes.com article noted: “In the air, passengers are treated to flat beds with massaging chairs, on demand dining and on demand entertainment with over 500 channels. Amenity kits are stocked with Clarins products, and there’s a lit vanity built into the seat.

“The fully-flat sleeper beds have a mattress pad for extra cushioning, and passengers are given pajamas, slippers and a blanket.... Privacy screens with ‘do not disturb’ signs can create a cocoon shelter around the bed, ensuring privacy and peace.”

Nigel Page, Emirates’ senior vice-president commercial operations The Americas said, “This is a great recognition of the Emirates quality service. It’s all the more significant considering we began our non-stop daily flights to the US just over six months ago. We know that we treat our First Class passengers to an outstanding experience, but now you don’t need to take our word for it – Forbes agrees that Emirates’ First Class is really the best in the skies”.

Emirates won several distinguished awards throughout 2004, across a wide spectrum of its services, such as “Best Airline – Silver Award” at Skytrax Airline of the Year Awards 2004 and “Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent” from Official Airline Guide (OAG).

Emirates currently operates three direct flights each week from Dubai to Malta: on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays on A330-200. This flight gives a convenient connection to outgoing and incoming passengers from the Far East and Australia.