The Flying Diaries make a return on the blog after a 1 year sabbatical with my Emirates First Class Trip Stateside.

I chose a multicity flight this time, flying into New York and flying back via New Jersey. Dubai Airport was undergoing Runway maintenance in the month of May and Emirates had suspended the non-stop service from Dubai to New Jersey, hence the outbound flight to New York.

My mum also accompanied me on this 23 day trip. We flew out on 22nd May and landed back in Mumbai on 15th June 2019.

Mumbai - New York ( Emirates First ) ( 22nd May 2019 ) :

Bags packed and ready! Time to head to the airport :

The BMW 520d Luxury Edition to ferry us to the airport!

Shots from the GVK First Class Lounge, one of the best in my opinion :

Such an amazing view from the lounge :

The Buffet!

A-la-carte on offer in the First Class Section of the lounge!

Welcome to Emirates Boeing 777-300ER First Class!

An elaborate food menu onboard :

The sun setting in Mumbai :

The flight path which we would be taking, a longer route due to the shutdown of Pakistani Airspace :

Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Dinner Service! Orange Fizz with Nuts to drink, Lentil Soup, Stir Fried Prawns with Cucumber for the main course and Imarti for dessert!

Live TV is one of the best features on the In-Flight Entertainment System : 

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The First Class Lounge in Dubai, a great place to relax and unwind :

A great spread on offer :

Some soup & Pistachio Sorbet for dinner before our long-haul flight :

Settling into our abode for the flight to New York!

Arabic coffee and Dates to kickstart our journey :

ICE - Information, Communication & Entertainment, Emirates' award winning inflight entertainment system :

Getting ready for Takeoff :

Off we go!

Video Link for Takeoff :

I decided to get some rest as soon the flight reached cruising altitude. I slept like a baby for 12 hours!!

Slumber done and it was time for some food!

The Menu :

A cup of Cappuccino to begin with :

Roasted Tomato Soup, Vegetable Mankhanwala and Chocolate & Cranberry Cake! I also opted for a Selection of Pastries before landing :

Beautiful skies..marvel at His Creation!

I decided to pay a visit to the Onboard Lounge at the back of the Business Class :

Made my way back to First Class and it was time for my onboard shower..yes a shower at 38000 feet!   

A quick walkthrough of the Shower Suite ( Video Link ) :

Shower done and we had started our descent into New York :

Not the best of weather to land in :

Hello New York!

Landing into New York ( Video Link ) :

The Chevrolet Suburban waiting for us to take us to New Jersey, a 2.5 hour drive through peak - hour traffic : 

New Jersey - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 14th June 2019 ) :

A Cadillac Escalade to Newark Liberty International Airport, a shorter trip lasting 45 minutes :

The First and Business Class Lounge, pretty low key, New Jersey isn't as big an airport as expected :

Oh yes..its a good day to fly!

My seat for the journey to Dubai, this time on a Boeing 777-300ER :

Arabic Coffee and Dates anyone?

Taxiing to the Runaway :

Ready for Takeoff :

Bye Bye New York & New Jersey...you were amazing!

Video Link for Takeoff :

Leaving the American Continent behind :

Whats for Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner?

Some Blueberry Yogurt, Orange Juice and Waffles for Breakfast :

Yellow pepper and lemongrass soup, Bangalore Chicken, Sayadieh and Chocolate Fondant for Lunch! 

Lemon and Ricotta Ravioli, Cappuccino and a Selection of Pastries for Light Snacks!

Up above in the skies :

The Interactive Flight Map, love this feature!

The logo glistening through the flight :

Entering mainland Europe :

The Approach into Dubai International :

Touchdown Dubai :

Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Enjoying the First Class Lounge before the final flight of our trip :

The final leg was on the new Boeing 777-200LR, which features a 2 class seating layout.

Business Class on the 2 class Boeing 777-200LR, very ergonomically designed and extremely comfortable :

Commencing Pushback :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai :

Video Link :

The Menu for the last leg of the flight :

Some nuts with Virgin Cucumber Gimlet followed by Paneer Mutter Masala, Pineapple Halwa and Chocolate & Fig Mousse Cake!

Hovering above Mumbai, air traffic is pretty bad here :

Touchdown Mumbai :

Video Link of Touchdown :

On our way home :

It was a great experience onboard Emirates Airlines. The crew left no stone unturned in making us feel comfortable! The long - haul flights were very restful and we were able to really relax and nothing seemed rushed ( unlike the European flights which are only 7 hours each way ). The trip to London features next..so watch this space!

2018 Abu Dhabi GP was the last race of the season and I had the opportunity of attending the same. 2013 was the last time I flew to the UAE for F1. It also was my last journey of the Old Terminal of Mumbai International Airport.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd November 2018 and the Return Journey on 27th November 2018.

 

Mumbai - Dubai ( Emirates Business ) ( 22nd November 2018 ) :

Packed and ready!

Emirates have revamped their Chauffeur services with the introduction of the BMW 520d Luxury Edition for ferrying its guests to the airport :

Shots of the Lounge :

The View of the Airport..mesmerizing :

The Business Class onboard Boeing 777-300ER, not the upgraded version this time :

The Menu onboard :

Preparing for Takeoff :

Takeoff Video Link :

Lunch, Paneer Makhani and Chocolate Mousse Cake :

The Descent into Dubai :

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Another BMW 520d Luxury Edition for pickup at Dubai Airport :

Dubai - Mumbai ( Emirates Business ) ( 27th November 2018 ) :

The Chauffeur Service to the airport :

The Business Class Lounge, Classy as ever :

A lipsmacking spread in the Lounge :

The New Business Class onboard the Boeing 777-200LR. This is a 2 class Boeing which has Business and Economy Class only.

Time for Pushback :

Taxiing to the Runway :

The Onboard Cameras :

Prepare for Takeoff :

Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Bye Bye Dubai, see you next time :

The Dinner Menu :

A spread of small bites in the Boeing 777-200LR

Dinner Service, Paneer Butter Masala, Chocolate and fig Mousse Cake :  

Landing at Mumbai in the evening :

Touchdown in Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Another BMW to ferry me home :

It was a great experience flying with Emirates in 2018. A Big Thank you for their Hospitality! Looking forward to many more memories and Journeys in 2019!

The ICC Champions Trophy was held in the UK in June 2017. I was blessed with the opportunity of attending 3 games. This would be my first experience of watching a cricket match overseas.
The Match Seats were reserved, flights booked and I was off to London Heathrow with Emirates in First Class.

I chose EK029 this time instead of EK 01. This allowed me more time in the Lounge and I was the only passenger in First Class!


The Outbound Flight was on 6th June and the return on 20th June.


Mumbai - London ( 6th June 2017 ) :

The GVK First and Business Class Lounge :

A-La-Carte dining on offer in the First Class Section :

The Buffet Spread :

Kathi Roll and the Molten Chocolate Cake, an absolute delight!

A Warm Welcome to the A380 Suite :

My Seat for the 3 hour flight to Dubai :

The Breakfast Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Emirates' In-Flight Entertainment System - ICE i.e. Information, Communication & Entertainment offers a wide array of options for flyers

A Cappuccino will suffice please!

A Beautiful Sunrise beckons on the Horizon!

Flying into Dubai :

Nearing Touchdown into Dubai :

Landing at Dubai International Airport :

Beautiful morning at Dubai International Airport :

A spacious and relatively empty First Class Lounge in Dubai :

An elegant First Class Suite enroute to London. I was the only flyer in First Class!

Goodies Basket, Arabian Coffee and Dates to start the journey with!

Taxiing to the Runway :

Takeoff!

Taking off from Dubai bound for Heathrow ( Video Link ) :

The Menu for the journey!

Lunch Service!

A Well Stocked Bar in the First Class Section :

The Emirates Insignia proudly displayed onboard

An Empty First Class :

A Quick tour of the First Class Suite ( Part 1 ) :

A Tour of the First Class Suite ( Part 2 ) :

After a hearty lunch, I decided to head down to the Business Class Lounge.

Some shots of the Lounge Seating Area, offering some stunning views of the sky.

Shots of the Lounge bar :

Business Class seats, 76 in all :

I returned to my seat and my Bed was set! It was time for a siesta before going in for a shower before landing into Heathrow :

Some Shots of the Shower Suite offered onboard, yes a shower at 40,000 feet!

A refreshing shower and we were nearing our destination :

Hovering over London :

Heathrow Airport!

Landing at Heathrow International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Heathrow the busiest airport in the world catering to numerous airlines!

Well hello Emirates!

A Mercedes Benz S500 to ferry me to my friend's home!

Enroute to Stanmore :

London - Mumbai ( 20th June 2017 ) :

The Return pickup too was in an elegant Mercedes S500 :

Driving to Heathrow :

A Brisk Check-in, Fast Track Security Check and Immigration and it was time to unwind in the Lounge :

The Spread :


Some views from the Lounge :


Heathrow is one of the few airports ( other than Dubai ) that offers boarding from the Lounge :

Shots of the First Class Suite :

Making our way to the runway :

Bye Bye London...until next time :


Takeoff from Heathrow International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The Dinner Menu to Dubai :

Mocktail, Nuts and Crisps kick off the Dinner Service!

Hors D'oeuvres, Light Bites and some catching up in the Business Class Lounge onboard A380 :

The Bed set for the Night.

As always, the Flight Steward woke me up an hour before the flight landed to enjoy the Shower Service on-board :


A Tour of the Shower Suite ( Video Link ) :




Descending into Dubai :


Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The First Class Lounge, oozing class as always :


The Boarding was offered from the Lounge and I soon settled into my First Class Suite :


Taxiing to the Runway :


The Final leg of the trip begins :


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




The Lunch Menu :


Lunch Service. Quite a good meal :


Nearing Touchdown in Mumbai :


Mumbai!


Landing in Mumbai ( Video Link ) :




Once Again, Thank you Emirates for memorable Flights!

The buck doesn't stop here! Trips to Brussels and Cape Town to follow shortly!

The "Flying Diaries" return with the trip to Barcelona being the first documented from 2017. The Spanish Grand Prix was held in May and I had the opportunity to fly down and experience the Hospitality of Emirates in the air all over again.

The outbound flight was on 10th May and the Return on 18th May.
 

Mumbai - Barcelona ( 10th May 2017 ) :

The Stunningly Beautiful Terminal 2, Mumbai :

The First and Business Class Lounge of GVK at Terminal 2. One of the best lounges in the world! A lavish buffet, Complimentary massage services and offering breath taking views of the Planes at Mumbai

I also got the opportunity to meet the Music Maestro A.R. Rahman! Fan Moment!

The First Class Suite to Dubai. Stunning and comfortable as ever!

Arabian Dates and Arabian Coffee for the First Class guests :

Taxiing to the runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai International bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :




I am not much of a breakfast guy but never shy away from Chocolate Croissants and some Cappuccino!

A Beautiful morning beckons as we fly into Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link  ) :




The First Class Lounge in Dubai offers boarding from the Lounge itself. There is a separate terminal to cater to Airbus A380s.

A Quick stop in the Lounge and it was time to board the flight for Barcelona!


Goodies galore in the suite. The basket is replenished also.

The Plethora of Emirates Airlines planes at Dubai :

FlyDubai, the low cost option flying out of Dubai and merged with Emirates now :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Up, up and away!! The Burj Khalifa visible in the distance :

Takeoff from Dubai International Airport bound for Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard. Emirates offers "Food on Demand" for First Class passengers.


Lip Smacking Lunch :


A Well Stocked bar in front of First Class :

The Bar and Lounge behind Business Class :

Business Class seats in A380 :

I returned to my seat to find my bed made. Time for a nap along with the Do Not Disturb option!


I was woken up an hour before the flight was due to land for a shower appointment. Yes a shower at 40,000 feet!


I returned from the shower and we had already started our descent into Barcelona :

Touchdown at El Prat International Airport :

Landing at El Prat International Airport in Barcelona ( Video Link ) :




A Mercedes S500 sent to pick me for the drop off at Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona :


Barcelona - Mumbai ( 18th May 2017 )

Emirates sent another S500 for the return pickup! This one came with a Panaromic Sunroof!

Driving to El Prat Airport :
A Quick check in and a brisk completion of all other formalities, it was time to enjoy the facilities the lounge had to offer! The Lounge is multi-airline and I wish they had a better spread on offer.

The First Class seat for the Flight to Dubai :

A Night Flight means an Emirates Night Suit, Amenity Kit, Slippers and Eye Shades are offered as Standard Issue.

Taxiing to the runway :

Takeoff from Barcelona bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :




Dinner Menu :

Time for a movie while the food is prepared!

Dinner is served!

Well Stocked Bar and Lounge behind Business Class :

A Quick tour of the Shower Suite :

Video Link :




Starting our Descent into Dubai :

Nearing Touchdown :


Welcome to Dubai International Airport :


Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




The Transit time was short in Dubai and I made a run for my connecting flight to Mumbai

The Final Leg of my Journey was on a Boeing 777-200LR, a flight nearing the end of its stint with Emirates.

First Class Seats, an old configuration this :


The Lunch menu for Dubai Mumbai leg :

Taxiing to the runway. Dubai Airport teeming with flights all around!

Bye Bye Dubai, until we meet again!


Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :




Lunch on the Final Leg of the Trip :

Nearing touchdown in Mumbai. The Vashi Bridge clearly visible :

Mumbai International Airport :


Landing at Mumbai Airport ( Video Link  ) :

 


The Return Pickup, the Mercedes C220 again.


Emirates have never faltered in maintaining the standards they have set. Every trip is a memorable one. There is more to come in the "Flying Diaries" - London next!

Apologies for the delayed posts, but then better late than never!