The 2nd F1 race that I had the privilege of attending in 2022 was the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix. The trip to Belgium was my last Emirates experience before COVID-19. With the Belgian Grand Prix organizers opening the doors to the fans, I couldn't resist returning to my favourite circuit!

I had flown on the Game Changer Suites, the latest offering in First Class in the Boeing 777-300ER and the trip to Brussels gave me the chance to experience opulence all over again! The outbound journey was on 25th August and the return was on 12th September.

Although the Mumbai-Dubai leg was in First Class, I was yet to receive an upgrade ( with miles ) on the Dubai-Brussels leg. Thankfully, just before boarding, Emirates released the seats and I was able to enjoy First Class both ways!

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 25th August 2022 ) :

Bags are ready for the trip to Brussels, a long holiday!

A BMW 5 Series for the drop to Mumbai International Airport, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur Service :

The turnaround time to go through check-in, security and immigration was short and it was time to unwind in the lounge!

The Adani First and Business Class Lounge, looking stunning as ever at Mumbai International Airport :

An elaborate spread in the Lounge. First Class guests also enjoy ordering from an Ala Carte menu. The Kathi Roll and the Molten Chocolate Cake are my personal favourites!

There is a different charm and intrigue while flying during monsoons. Mumbai airport in the early hours of the morning :

Finally, after 3 years, back on the Airbus A380! The First Class Suite looks so amazing! The memories are fresh as ever!

The pushback begins :

Taking off from Mumbai for Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Breakfast service to Dubai :

Stuck to some Yogurt, Cappuccino and Pain au Chocolat :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing Video Link :

I did Vlog on the First Class Experience on board the Emirates Airbus A380. It was a short trip but was able to cover quite a lot en route.

Video Link :

Emirates offers an escorted transfer service for First Class Passengers and it was nice to enjoy special treatment while transiting through the airport terminal.

The First Class Lounge in Dubai International Airport :

Boarding wasn't via the aerobridges and we had to take the shuttle to make our way to the aircraft.

Being driven to the aircraft in an Emirates shuttle for First Class passengers :

Hello Game Changer Suites!

As we began preparations for takeoff, I marvelled at how brilliant the suite screens were!

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

Up in the air and amazing views of Dubai :

The Palm Jumeirah!

Breakfast and Lunch on offer for the trip to Brussels :

Starting with a Vitality Boost, with some nuts and crisps, followed by Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawn Machbous and Almond Streusel Cake :

En route to Europe!

Emirates recreating the night sky onboard :

The bed is ready. Time for a nap before landing in Brussels :

Preparing our final approach to Brussels :

Touchdown Belgium!

Touching Down at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :

A Mercedes to ferry me to Hasselt, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur service :

The various drive modes in an S Class :

En route to Hasselt, some really beautiful sights along the way :

I had the opportunity to do a full walkthrough of the Game Changer Suite and created a vlog on my Youtube.

Video Link to the First Class Experience on the Game Changer Suites :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First & Business ) ( 12th September 2022 ) :

A Mercedes Luxury Van takes me to Brussels International Airport :

Check-in, Security and Immigration complete, I made my way to the lounge at Brussels International, a lounge I have gotten well versed with over the years.

Walking to the Lounge at Brussels International Airport :

The Lounge, not the most stocked in Europe and remains the most under-whelming experience still :

The views though are amazing :

It was soon time to board and the Game Changer dons a new look when the sun goes down. The ambience and the lighting effects bring a different vibe to the suite.

The First Class Game Changer Suite looks stunningly beautiful at night :

The Pushback commences :

I have been a big fan of the Voyager app on board Emirates. The flight info software shares a plethora of information to flyers and is quite an interesting feature to enjoy inflight.

The Voyager app shows the plane getting ready for the journey back to Dubai :

Taking off from Brussels :

The Menu for the flight to Dubai, featuring a dinner and breakfast service onboard :

Popcorn, a first on Emirates for me, with Ginger Ale, Chips, Spring Pea Soup, Grilled Chicken and Chocolate Silk Cake :

Bingeing on food left me with no energy but to relax!

The bed is set, trying to get some sleep as we advance in time, into Dubai :

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Video Link to the Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

The Emirates shuttle takes me back to the terminal building :

Once again, I enjoyed an escorted transfer service to the lounge, thanks to Emirates' new feature for First Class travellers. The final leg of my journey to Mumbai was in Business Class so I had to walk across to their dedicated lounge area.

The Business Class lounge at Dubai International Airport :

Dubai Duty-Free is a Shopping Haven!

The Business Class seat for my journey home :

Taxiing to the runway :

Up in the air, goodbye Dubai!

Takeoff Video :

Breakfast service to Mumbai :

Vitality Boost, Cappuccino and Vatana ( Peas ) Poha :

Nearing Touchdown in Mumbai, on a rainy Tuesday afternoon :

Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

 A BMW 5 Series to take me home, thank you Emirates Chauffeur Service :

It was an amazing feeling to fly again on the Game Changer Suites. Emirates has a winner in its hands and I hope to see some of the design elements come out on their Airbuses too. A big thank you to Emirates for a memorable experience to Brussels and back! There will be more content in "The Flying Diaries" series in 2023! Thank you for all your support and love over the years!

The Belgian GP is my favourite race on the F1 Calendar and I have attended 4 of the last 5 Grand Prix held at Spa-Francorchamps; also one of my closest friends shifted base to Brussels in 2017 and what better time to meet him than after the Belgian GP weekend. 

Emirates introduced their new Boeing 777-300ER Game Changer Suites ( in First Class ) on the Dubai-Brussels route ( Geneva being the other ) and I was fortunate enough to try it for the first time in 2018. The new fleet of 777-300ER sport not just a fully private First Class suite but also a revamped Business Class and Economy Class! ( more on the First Class Cabin later ).

I opted for EK 501, the solo Airbus A380 service from Mumbai to Dubai ( 430 am departure ) and EK 183 from Dubai to Brussels. The return was on EK 182 ( a red-eye flight ) to Dubai and then EK 506 to Mumbai. The outbound journey was on 29th August 2019 and the inbound on 9th September.

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 29th August 2019 ) :

All set to head for Europe!

Emirates Chauffeur drop at the airport, efficient and courteous as ever :

The First Class Lounge at Mumbai Terminal 2, one of the finest lounges in the world :

Food, food and more food! Business Class passengers enjoy an amazing spread in the Buffet and are offered a 15 minute complimentary Foot or Back Massage. First Class travellers are offered an A-la-carte menu besides a complimentary 30 minute massage!

The First Class Suite onboard Airbus A380, the newer fleet of the A380s have also gone through a revamp ( not plying on this route though )

Arabian Coffee & Dates!

Taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link for Takeoff from Mumbai :

Breakfast service to Dubai :

Fruits, Yogurt, Paneer and Pea Toasties for Breakfast :

The descent into Dubai International Airport :

Touchdown on a beautiful morning :

Landing Video :

It was quite a journey from one terminal to another besides getting to a lounge closest to the departure gate for my flight. 

Unwinding in the lounge, was here for a very brief period though :

It was soon time to board the flight for Brussels and I was excited to enjoy the Refreshed First Class Experience all over again!

My abode for 7 hours..opulence!

Commencing departure procedures :

Arabian Coffee & Dates anyone?

Taxiing to the Runway :

Enroute to Brussels and some stunning views of the Dubai Skyline :

Video Link for Takeoff :

Breakfast and Lunch on the Dubai - Brussels leg :

Ginger Ale with some crisps, Chicken & Lemongrass Consomme, Prawn Brisque and Milk Chocolate Cake..an amazing Lunch onboard!

Post lunch I decided on doing a feature on the Game Changer Suite. 

Emirates have done a stellar job on making premium travel even more comfortable. First Class now is a totally enclosed cabin with full height closing doors, a zero gravity seat designed by Mercedes Benz, Bowers & Wilkins E1 Headsets & a huge Screen to enjoy the entertainment onboard, a pair of Binoculars to enjoy the views from your window, Video Calling facility which enables guests to interact with the flight stewards for their culinary needs, even aisle seats now have Virtual Windows where HD Cameras relay live images onto these window screens so everyone can enjoy a view, mood lighting, mini bar and some essentials like a vanity kit, diary and pen etc. ( Apologies on missing out any other major feature, the list runs long!! )

A Quick walkthrough of the Game Changer Suite ( Video Link ) :

Flying over Europe, Love the Interactive Flight Map, a newer edition as well :

Brussels and its suburbs from above :

Hello Belgium!

Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :

I opted to stay in Hasselt over the weekend since it was only 60 minutes away from the race track. The commute to Hasselt from the airport takes about 75 minutes.

Enroute to Hasselt :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 9th September 2019 ) :

A BMW to ferry me to the airport, this time from the Central part of Brussels :

Driving through the streets of Brussels..so much history around us!

Brussels airport, looks more like a mall :

The Brussels Airlines Lounge which doubles up as an Emirates Lounge. This lounge is in need of a serious makeover.. a mediocre spread, non-existent service, dull atmosphere..quite a disappointment.

Back in the Boeing 777-300ER Game Changer Suite! One of the best seats to fly in!

Dates and Coffee, you just cant get enough of this..the Arabian way of welcoming their guests!

Time to say goodbye to Belgium!

Takeoff Video :

Dinner and Breakfast was offered onboard :

Virgin Cucumber Gimlet with Chips, Spring Pea Soup, Porcini Mushroom Risotto & Chocolate Silk Cake for Dinner..stuffed! 

Enjoying Avengers Endgame in HD on a humongous screen coupled with amazing sound quality from the Bowers and Wilkins E1!

The Voyager App, the interactive Flight Map onboard ICE, Emirates' inflight entertainment system - features 3d Maps, flight paths and 3D views from a virtual cockpit!

With 3 hours to land, I decided to get some sleep!

A foggy morning while descending into Dubai :

Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Shots of the Lounge in Dubai :

Making our way to the Aircraft from the terminal, a 25 minute bus ride :

Seats onboard the Boeing 777-300ER, I decided to not upgrade myself from Business to First for this leg ( preserving miles for a long haul flight next year ).

Pushback and takeoff!

Beautiful views of the Dubai Skyline :

Video Link of the Takeoff, bound for Mumbai :

Breakfast service on the final leg :

Aloo Methi with Sabudana Wada, a proper Indian fare for Breakfast :

Nearing touchdown at Mumbai :

Touchdown Mumbai :

Video Link :

The ride home :

I am a big fan of the Emirates Game Changer Suite! I really hope more routes are added featuring the new fleet. The Food onboard was amazing, the service impeccable, the lounge in Brussels was the only disappointment. 

The Flying Diaries will feature a new airline in the next post..an unexpected journey to the Far East! We take a brief pause in the series to first Review the 2019 F1 Season. 

Watch this space!

The next post of "The Flying Diaries" series features our Business & First Class experience to London Heathrow and back.

It was my first Business Class experience on an Emirates Airbus A380 and I must admit it was quite an enjoyable one. My mum accompanied me on this trip as well, a quick turnaround of 12 days after our return from the US really testing her globe-trotting skills :)

I was excited about attending the 2019 Cricket World Cup besides taking mum in and around London ( her first visit to the UK ). 

The Outbound journey was on 27th June 2019 and the Inbound on 10th July 2019.

Dubai - London Heathrow is one of the busiest sectors for Emirates Airlines. I have lost count of the number of services offered daily by Emirates and their codeshare with Qantas to Heathrow. 

Miles upgrade from Business to First has almost always worked for me ( most recent being the Mumbai-New York & return ). The Upgrade for the Dubai - London Leg was unavailable right until the time of check-in; at check-in a couple of seats became available but the staff at Mumbai couldn't upgrade us and the same would have to be done at Dubai. Unfortunately the seats were gone by the time we landed in Dubai and we eventually flew Business Class for the entire outbound journey. 

This is something that Emirates needs to look at..the flexibility of upgrading a portion of the journey from the Origin of the journey...

Mumbai - London Heathrow ( Emirates Business ) ( 27th June 2019 ) :

Packed & ready..London beckons!

Our ride to the Airport, a Mercedes E250!

All departure formalities complete and it was time to unwind in the lounge :

Business Class onboard Airbus A380, a great product, the best Business in the Emirates Fleet :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Video Link for the Takeoff from Mumbai to Dubai :

The menu for the first leg of our trip :

Sooji ka Halwa for Breakfast!

Sunrise over the Horizon :

Starting our descent into Dubai :

Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The Plane was parked a fair distance from the Terminal Building, so we were ferried in buses to the disembarking area :

Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

Our Seats for the 2nd leg of our Outbound Journey. EK 29 to London Heathrow :

Pushback commences!

Taxiing to the Runway ( Video Link ) :

Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The Onboard Lounge in Business Class. Such a great setting to unwind and socialize. The newer A380s even have tables :

Goodies Galore and light bites in the Lounge :

Whats for Breakfast and Lunch?

Virgin Cucumber Gimlet to drink, followed by a Mushroom Soup for the Appetizer, Chicken & Cheese Sandwich for the Main Course, followed by a Chocolate Truffle Cake for Dessert. The Sandwich was one of the best main courses I have ever had inflight! 

Flying over Europe :

Nearing Touchdown at London Heathrow :

London Heathrow! The busiest airport in the world :

Video Link for the Landing :

Our ride to the hotel in Central London, a Mercedes Viano :

Enroute to Central London :

London Heathrow - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 10th July 2019 ) :

We were due to fly out on 9th July by the 10:30 pm flight ( EK 06 ) but I postponed our departure by a day so that I could attend the 1st semi-final between India and New Zealand. Unfortunately the day got rained out and the rest of the game was played out on the Reserve Day.

Our rescheduled flight was EK 32 at 7 pm from Heathrow. EK 04 and 06 were completely booked!

A Mercedes S-Class Estate to ferry us to the airport. This was a longer drive since we were staying in the New Wembley area, right next to the National Stadium! 

Enroute to the Airport :

Nice to see a life-size model of the Emirates A380 aircraft to welcome us at Heathrow :

Making our way to the lounge post check-in..refreshed after our holiday!

The Emirates Lounge in London Heathrow, one of the best lounges outside Dubai :

An amazing spread on offer!

Views from the Lounge..beautiful!

Emirates Airbus A380 First Class, classy as ever!

The crew was kind enough to capture some stills of ours!

Making our way to the Runway!

Up and away, bound for Dubai :

Video Link :

A quick visit to the Onboard Lounge :

Dinner and Breakfast service onboard :

Cream of Mushroom Soup followed by Malwani Chicken and Chocolate & Walnut Torte :

I opted for a short nap post dinner and was woken one hour before our arrival for a shower appointment. Time to enjoy the Shower Suite at 40,000 feet and get refreshed before touchdown in Dubai.

The Emirates Crew remembered my Mum's birthday, a pleasant surprise and she was touched by such a sweet gesture!

The final approach into Dubai :

Video Link for Landing into Dubai :

The First Class Lounge in Dubai..peaceful..

While we were relaxing in the lounge, we met a celebrity from the Hindi Film Industry, Mr. John Abraham. 

A Moment with the Star! Such a down to earth individual, friendly, respectful, chirpy and loves his racing ( specially on 2 wheels )

The last stint of our journey, onboard the Boeing 777-300ER First Class ( EK 506 ) :

Getting ready for departure :

Homebound :

Video Link for Takeoff :

Breakfast service to Mumbai :

Cappuccino, Fruits and Paneer Bhurji for Breakfast :

Enjoying some Moto GP coverage on Live TV :

The Final Descent into Mumbai :

Touchdown Mumbai :

Landing into Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

On our way home :

The Business Class is a great product and Emirates is only making it better with the launch of their revamped Airbus A380 Cabins. The Menu for the Mumbai - Dubai stint needs to be freshened up a bit as some dishes are starting to become repetitive. Nonetheless a memorable journey once again..the crew were fantastic as always! 

The Game Changer First Class on Boeing 777-300ER features next..so don't miss this space! 

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

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!

My annual trip to the Belgian GP was a little different from the earlier trips. My college friends decided to accompany me to Europe for a 3 nation tour, their first to the Schengen States of Belgium, Switzerland and France. One of my friends accompanied me while a couple left for Europe a few days earlier than us.

This trip also gave me the opportunity to try the New Boeing 777-300ER with a revamped First and Business Class.

We flew out on 18th August 2018 and left Brussels on 29th August 2018.

Mumbai - Brussels ( First Class ) ( 18th August 2018 ) :

The Bags ready for the journey :

The Check-in formalities done and it was time to enjoy the lounge. Since I am a Gold Member of Emirates, my friend was allowed to accompany me.

Some shots of the Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :

Enjoying the Services of our lounge. Mumbai International Airport offers complimentary massage service for the guests :

Food, food and more food!

It was 3 am and time for boarding for our flight to Dubai.

The First Class Suite onboard the A380, top notch and prepped as always :

Preparing for takeoff, the onboard cameras doing a fine job :

Takeoff Video Link :



The Breakfast menu :

Green Pea Poha and Cappuccino for Breakfast :

Touching down at Dubai International Airport :

Landing Video Link :



Inter Terminal Transfers and Security Checks done, we made our way to the nearest First Class Lounge at Dubai to relax and grab a bite.

A time of Relaxation and refreshing ourselves in the lounge.

It was then time to board our flight to Brussels!

The latest edition of the First Class Suite onboard the New Boeing 777-300ER is a class apart and a winner! Emirates currently flies the new configuration to Brussels and Geneva and will slowly expand to other routes as well. The updated First Class boasts of a lot of new features - Fully enclosed First Class suite with full height privacy screens, seats designed by Mercedes Benz, Virtual Windows, Bigger LCD Screens, Bowers and Wilkins headsets, Binoculars and Dine on Demand service with Video Calling facility. Video calling is quite a cool feature, you can make a call to the Flight Steward and interact, taking the definition of "Room Service" to a whole new level. In-flight showers aren't available though.

The view of the Suites from the front of the aircraft. Quite artistic I must say :

Preparing for takeoff :

Bound for Brussels :

Video Link :



The Breakfast and Lunch menu onboard :

The Flight Map :

You simply can't stop taking pics of this beautiful suite :

Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawns with Garlic and Coriander and Chocolate Ricotta Pudding for Dessert!

The First Class also has Virtual Windows for aisle seats, the cameras relay live feed onto the Screens to give the aisles a window seat feel.

The bed is made. Time to rest!

Afternoon siesta done and it was time to land into Brussels International Airport :

Video Link :



Mercedes S500 to pick us up at the airport!

Brussels - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 29th August 2018 ) :

A Mercedes E250 to ferry us back to the airport :

The Atomium, one of the highlights of Brussels made in Chocolate by Neuhaus :

Not much on offer in the lounge. Passable. Its a common lounge catering to a number of airlines. Hope to Emirates have one of their own soon.

The Seats in Business Class, designed by Mercedes Benz, a bit narrower but equally comfortable :

Takeoff Video :



Whats for dinner?

The Flight Map with Satellite Views :

Live TV, a feature on Emirates Flights :

Crisps and Ginger Ale, Broccoli Soup, Roast Chicken with Pistachio Stuffing and Chocolate Delice for Dessert :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

Landing Video Link :



Dubai International Airport :

The Plane is parked a fair distance from the Terminal building so we are picked up by a bus :

Enjoying services of the lounge while we wait for boarding :

Business Class, a slightly older aircraft this :

The lunch menu :

Some shots while taxiing to the Runway :

Up in the air, homebound :

Takeoff Video Link :



Nuts and Ginger Ale followed by Dhingri Paneer Methi Masala and Badami Halwa!

Hovering above Mumbai :

Landing at Mumbai :



Back in the Bay!

I must say that Emirates have a winner with the new Boeing 777-300ER Offering. It simply is a class apart when you compare it to rival airlines on similar sectors. I hope to see the new plane on my other journeys too. Once again, the hospitality onboard Emirates was flawless and being a Gold Member makes the experience even more special.

It isn't just "Fly Better" with Emirates...Its "FLY THE BEST"!

My Business Class Experience to Dubai in November follows shortly...so watch this space!

I believe I belong to the club of "Self-appointed" Emirates Airlines Ambassadors! July 2012 was the first time I had the opportunity of flying with the airline and as they say..the rest is history. The quality of service has been impeccable, the staff always welcoming and one always yearn for more at the end of each journey. 

Frankfurt was the first destination I flew to with the airline in 2018. I stayed in Mannheim ( since I was attending the F1 German Grand Prix ) for the first leg of the trip and then in Frankfurt.

The First Leg of the Journey was in the Airbus A380 with switching of planes at Dubai. The return leg was an Airbus A380 until Dubai and then the Boeing 777-300ER to Mumbai.

The Outbound journey was on 18th July and return journey on 27th July.

Let us go back in time and refresh our memories!

Mumbai - Frankfurt ( First Class ) ( 18th July 2018 ) :

The Bags ready for the Journey :

My ride to the airport ( Emirates Chauffeur Service ), the Mercedes C Class in its final few months of service with Emirates :

All Airport formalities completed briskly and it was time to enjoy the services on offer in the lounge!

An elaborate menu :

The Lounge!

Time to binge. First Class fliers have the privilege of ordering from an A-La-Carte Menu as well :

Both legs were in the Airbus A380 and this was my First Class Private Suite, so comfortable!

Emirates have revamped the goodies, amenities and accessories on offer. Bowers and Wilkins headphones offer amazing audio quality!

Breakfast menu onboard :

Heading towards the runway for takeoff :

Takeoff Video :

Coffee, Poha and some Idli ( Rice Cakes ) for Breakfast :

The Emblem of Emirates glowing in the First Class Cabin :

Landing into Dubai :

Landing Video :

Dubai International Airport in the early hours of the morning, busy onground and in the terminals :

Security check complete, inter-terminal transfer done and it was time to catch up on some sleep in the lounge :

The First Class Suite on the Airbus A380. So Beautiful!

The Aerobridge withdraws as we get ready for pushback :

The busyness of the Airport in the morning. Emirates flights flying to multiple destinations across the world :

ICE, Emirates in-flight entertainment system offers onboard camera feed on all flights :

Takeoff from Dubai :

Video Link :

The Breakfast and Lunch menu. Dine on demand service offered in First Class :

I was in the mood for an early lunch, placed my order and then decided to head to the Onboard Lounge at the back of Business Class.

Snacks on offer in the Onboard lounge :

Small bites on offer in the Onboard Lounge :

Lunch, Carrot and Ginger Soup, followed by Chicken Cacciatore and Pear and Chocolate Crumble :

Bon Apetit!

I had a good rest and was woken just in time before landing :

Touchdown in Frankfurt ( Video Link ) :

Frankfurt International Airport on a beautiful summer afternoon :

A BMW 730Ld to take me to Mannheim from Frankfurt, Emirates has top class cars for transfers in Europe :

Frankfurt - Mumbai ( First Class ) ( 27th July 2018 )

The Audi A8L to ferry me to the airport! Luxury is an understatement for this car :

Frankfurt Airport is a busy but efficient airport. Check-in, Security and Immigration was a breeze and I had the chance to relax for sometime in the lounge :

Some more stunning shots of the First Class Suite, my seat up until Dubai :

A relatively empty First Class enroute to Dubai, a rare scenario :

The Flight Map being displayed on ICE, Emirates On board Entertainment system :

Preparing for Takeoff :

Takeoff from Frankfurt ( Video Link ) :

Some shots of the Onboard Lounge again :

Ginger Ale and some crisps before the start of Dinner Service :

The Dinner Menu :

Roasted Tomato Soup, Roasted Chicken and Deconstructed Black Forest Cake for Dinner!

A hearty meal and it was time to head to bed. I would eventually be woken 45 minutes before touch down in Dubai. It was a short but very comfortable siesta.

Nearing touchdown at Dubai :

Landing at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Dubai International Airport :

A couple of shots of the lounge just before leaving for boarding :

The Dubai-Mumbai leg was on a Boeing 777-300ER, frankly speaking I find the First Class Suite in this a bit more comfortable than the one in A380.

My Suite for the last leg of the trip :

The Lunch Service on offer :

Taxiing to the runway :

Up in the air, homebound :

Video of the Takeoff :

Paneer Tikka Masala and Shahi Tukra for Lunch  :

The Dubai Mumbai flight only lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes. A hour of slumber and we were on our final approach into Mumbai.

The Final Approach :

Touchdown Mumbai :

Video Link :

It was a great experience flying with Emirates to Frankfurt! I would like to thank Emirates for their hospitality.

The new Boeing 777-300ER will feature in the next post of the Flying Diaries..so watch this space!

I have never been to the Continent of Africa. I play a lot of Amateur Cricket in Mumbai and our team participated in a Tournament called "Last Man Stands", the prize being a trip to Cape Town to participate in the World Championships in December 2017. We qualified and were invited to be one of the 32 teams playing the Tournament. 

Thankfully Emirates flies to Cape Town. Tickets were booked, the outbound trip on 8th December 2017 and return on 18th December 2017.

Mumbai - Cape Town ( First Class ) ( 8th December 2017 ) :

Beautiful Architecture in the First and Business Class Lounge at Mumbai International Airport :

Enjoying some of the spread on offer :

The Real Deal :

The First Class Suite for the Flight to Dubai :

The Breakfast Menu :

Arabian Coffee and Arabian Dates, a special feature of the First Class onboard Emirates :

Making our way to the Runway :

Takeoff from Mumbai bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Watching Dunkirk on ICE - Emirates Inflight Entertainment System :

Breakfast time, some fruits and poha, a regional dish from Maharashtra :