Emirates investment on programme hits $1bn

United Arabs Emirates (UAE) giant carrier, Emirates Airline has raised the bar in in-flight experience as it unveils classy and tasteful wines on Business and First class cabins.

This is just as the airline revealed that it has invested $1 billion in its wine programme since 2006.

The airline, at the Nigerian Wine Tasting Event held in Lagos, it’s Regional Manager West Africa, Afzal Parambil revealed that 2.2 million bottles of champagne and wine have been served on First and Business Class, while 2.6 million bottles have been served in Economy class since then.

He noted that across the network daily, the airline offers 80 Champagnes, wines and ports, over 30 spirits, Aperitifs, and Liqueurs, and about 14 cocktails.

The Selected Wines that were revealed are Dom Pérignon; Metis Sauvignon Blanc Klein Constantia; Ken Forrester Gypsy; Château Pontet Canet 5ème Cru Classé and Graham’s 20 year old Tawny Port.

Speaking further on how the airline creates its unique wine experience on-board, Parambil said the wines on each the route is carefully selected to complement the menu and include exclusives found only on Emirates.

“Our team of wine connoisseurs builds direct relationships with some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards to handpick and secure the most exclusive and rare wines for our customers.

“We serve 80 different champagnes, wines and ports on our flights on an average day in all classes across our international network. We source our wines from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and USA.

“We choose wines that are versatile, which means they’re easy to pair with a wide range of meals on our menus. In just a few moments, we will give you a taste of this pairing experience”, he said.

Parambil, who disclosed that Emirates sources wines from 12 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the USA added: ‘In every aspect of our business, our aim is to provide the best experience for our customers and we have curated a wine programme that is reflective of that promise. We are proud of the fact that our wine lists are comparable to what you might find in a top restaurant in the best cities around the world’.

Speaking further, he said Emirates invests heavily in its cellar and has established a robust wine programme in the last 10 years.

“At the heart of Emirates’ wine strategy is its unique approach to purchasing exceptional Bordeaux wines en primeur. Emirates’ own team of wine connoisseurs have built direct relationships with some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards to handpick and secure the most exclusive and rare wines for its customers.

“Emirates launched the Emirates Vintage Collection which is a selection of fine wines which have been stored for up to 15 years in our cellars. Emirates’ carefully curated wine selection and its wine strategy are documented in its newly launched Wine Channel on ice.

“The wines on each route are carefully selected to complement the menu and include exclusives found only on Emirates such as the Dom Pérignon 2005 Rosé champagne and 1963 Graham’s Colheita Port. A long term buying strategy also means that the airline has 7.4 million bottles of wines currently stored in its cellar in Burgundy, France some of which will only be served in 2037.

The airline says it serves more than 100 million meals a year, while giving the same attention to detail in First, Business and Economy Classes.