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 :

Hovering above Dubai :

Landing At Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

I chose to have a quick slumber in the Lounge and it was time to start boarding.

The First Class Suite in the Boeing 777-300ER :

Goodies galore :

A Busy Morning at Dubai International :

Ready for Takeoff!

Adios Dubai!

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Cape Town ( Video Link ) :

Somewhere over North Africa. Stunning views!

Lunch menu enroute to Cape Town :

Lunch is served!

Post Lunch, its time for siesta :

Woke up just before we started our descent into Cape Town :

Touchdown Cape Town!

Landing at Cape Town International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Our Ride to our Hotel in Waterfront :

Enroute to our Hotel :

Cape Town - Mumbai ( Business Class ) ( 18th December 2017 ) :

A VW Minivan to the Airport again :

Enroute to the Airport :

The First and Business Class Lounge in Cape Town :

Quick a nice spread in the Lounge :

My Business Class Seat for the Return Journey :

The Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Bye Bye South Africa :( you were Fantastic!

Leaving Cape Town bound for Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Dinner Service!

We were served breakfast just before landing :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Business Class Seat for the last leg of the Trip :

The Menu :

Taxiing to the Runway :

Bye Bye Dubai :

Takeoff Bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Up in the Sky :

Just a Dessert for Lunch :

Nearing Touch down in Mumbai

Back home in Mumbai!

Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :

I had an amazing time in Cape Town and the Journey was as good as the Destination. Well done Emirates! 

Flying Diaries will return later in the year once the European Season kicks off and God willing I can be a guest at a couple of races.

The Belgian Grand Prix was the second race in 2017 that I had the opportunity of attending. Emirates offers only service to Brussels so it was imperative to have bookings done on time. I decided on a Mixed Class Journey - First to Brussels and Business on Return.

The Outbound Journey was on 22nd August and the Return on 30th August

Mumbai - Brussels ( 22nd August 2017 ) :

Shots from the First and Business Class Lounge in Mumbai :

Midnight Binging in the Lounge!

They also have A-La-Carte on offer for Guests flying First Class :

Kathi Rolls, delicious as ever!

The First Class Suite, a new Airbus A380 this :

Mumbai - Dubai Breakfast Menu :

ICE - Emirates Award Winning In-flight Entertainment System :

Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Enjoying some Yogurt and Poha for breakfast :

A Short Haul journey, so the Bar bears a deserted look in front of the First Class Cabins :

Dubai awaits our arrival!

Touchdown Dubai International Airport :

Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :



First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport :

The 2nd leg of the Trip was in a Boeing 777-300ER and the layout is slightly different to the Airbus A380. I feel the seats are slightly wider.

The Goodies Basket, Mini Bar and Arabian Dates with Arabian Coffee!

Taxiing to the Runway. Emirates Airlines all around us!

Enroute to Brussels!

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Arabic Mezze, Prawn Machbous and Sticky Date Pudding!

The Bed is made, Time for a snooze!

Nearing touchdown at Brussels :

Brussels International Airport!

Landing at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :



A Mercedes S Class to ferry me to the Hotel :

Brussels - Mumbai ( 30th August 2017 ) :

Mercedes E Class for the return pickup :

Enroute to the Airport :

The First and Business Class Lounge in Brussels. The Mousse was excellent :

My Business Class seat for the 1st leg of the return journey :

Live TV on offer onboard!

The Pushback and it was time for takeoff :

Goodbye Brussels :

Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :



Lunch Menu :

Lunch is served!

Touching down in Dubai :

Touchdown at Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The Business Class Lounge in Dubai :

I was boarding my flight for Mumbai when I got informed that Emirates had upgraded me to First Class! Well Thank you!

First Class Suite :

Breakfast Menu :

Making our way to the Runway :

Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :



Some Crisps, Pakodas and Cappuccino :

Descending into Mumbai :

A Lovely morning at Mumbai International Airport :

Landing at Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Emirates once again ensured that I had a memorable trip. The Upgrade to First Class for the Final leg of the Trip was really appreciated since it was a Red Eye Flight from Dubai. Being a Gold Member on Emirates always has its perks!

Emirates First and Business Class Experience to Cape Town is up next!