Emirates Crowned as 2024 APEX World Class Airline, Wins for Economy Class Amenity Kit

Photo source: Emirates.

Emirates has achieved yet another milestone in its commitment to providing exceptional passenger experiences, as it was named a 2024 APEX World Class Airline at the 2024 APEX/IFSA Awards recently held in Long Beach, California.

In a rigorous evaluation encompassing service quality, safety, and health control initiatives, Emirates emerged as one of only eight airlines worldwide to earn this accolade.

The airline also received a 2024 IFSA award for ‘Best Onboard Amenity‘ for its Sustainable Economy Class amenity kit, notable for its environmentally conscious design and reusability.

Emirates’ commitment to ensuring passengers ‘Fly Better’ was acknowledged with the World Class honor, recognizing the airline’s excellence in safety, sustainability, and passenger experience. The recognition came on the heels of a year marked by record profits, the successful launch of Premium Economy Class, significant investments in enhancing onboard services, and substantial strides towards a more sustainable future.

Emirates Airlines Vice President Patrick Brannelly (left) accepting the World Class award. Photo source: APEX.

“Emirates is not just an airline; it’s a symphony of innovation, ambition, and undying commitment to excellence,” said APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader. He went on to emphasize the airline’s visionary approach to revolutionizing air travel, acknowledging the leadership of President Sir Tim Clark in reshaping the industry.

Emirates’ Economy Class amenity kits play a significant role in its sustainable passenger experience initiatives. These kits, provided complimentary to long-haul travelers, feature designs inspired by the four essential elements of nature: fire, water, earth, and air. They are crafted from washable kraft paper with non-toxic soy-based ink prints, making them reusable and environmentally friendly. The kits include durable travel essentials made from sustainable materials, such as a toothbrush composed of wheat straw and plastic, and socks and eyeshades made from recycled plastic (rPET).

In addition to the amenity kits, Emirates has implemented several other eco-conscious initiatives in Economy Class. Recycled plastic bottles are used to create cozy blankets, with each blanket repurposing 28 plastic bottles, preventing over 95 million plastic bottles from reaching landfills in the past six years. The airline has also reduced single-use plastic with wooden tea and coffee stirrers, as well as paper straws and inflight retail bags made from responsibly sourced wood and paper.

For young travelers, Emirates offers complimentary toy bags, baby amenity kits, and plush toys crafted from recycled plastic bottles and other sustainable materials. Moreover, the airline actively recycles plastic and glass onboard, diverting significant quantities away from landfills upon landing in Dubai.

The IFSA award handout. Photo source: APEX.

The APEX World Class Awards are administered by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association), an international airline association dedicated to enhancing passenger experiences. To achieve the coveted WORLD CLASS status, airlines must undergo a comprehensive audit, conducted by industry professionals and peer-reviewed by experts in customer research methodology.