Emirates Business class Airbus A330-200

Route

EK108 from Malta to Dubai 30 June 2012

Duration

7 hours 15 min. One hour stopover in Larnaca.

On time departure and arrival

Departed and arrived on time.

Ground Crew and check-in

Online check-in 24 hours before departure. Connecting Emirates flights can be checked-in as well and luggage will be checked through to your final destination on your Emirates flight.
There were no dedicated drop off counters at Malta airport, you still need to hand in you luggage at the check-in counters.  This was the same line as for Business class.
Separate lines for First and Business Class.
Ground staff was friendly and competent.
Invitation to La Valette Club lounge for First and Business Class passengers.

Boarding procedure

The boarding was not done in any order. Passengers lined up and got onto the bus service to the aircraft. No priority boarding was done.

Luggage allowance

Hand luggage - Two pieces of carry-on baggage. One briefcase plus either one handbag or garment bag.
Checked luggage - 40 kg. Extra allowance depending on Frequent traveler status.
See more on EK 108 baggage allowances and rules

Before take-off

Moist hot towels were provided to freshen up.  A choice of champagne, apple and orange juice were offered.

Seating

42 Spacious sleeperettes with a generous recline
Seat pitch - 137.16cm (54")
Seat width - 45.72cm (18")
Seatmap can be viewed on Seatguru or on Emirates Airbus A330-200

Amenities

Toiletry bags and eye masks were not provided as it was not an overnight flight
Soft pillow and lined blanket
Stereo headset
Moist hot towels were provided before and after meals to freshen up

Entertainment

Emirates won numerous awards for their ICE in-flight system.
See more on Emirates ICE
On demand entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, TV programmes and music.  You can also stay in touch with latest headlines from the BBC, follow the progress of your flight or view the aircraft's external cameras.
The screen was generous and the headsets of good quality.  The ICE touchscreen system is easy to use and movies can be started as soon as you are seated.  A remote control is also provided.

In-flight communications

Satellite phone.
Mobile phones could be used on this flight.

Meals and refreshments

Meals were served on china tableware, on tray tables laid with fine linen. A bar service was on offer, with a wide selection of cocktails, wines and other beverages.
The choices on the menu were:

• Appetisers - choice of two
• Salad
• Main Course - choice of three
• Desserts - variety
• Cheeseboard
• Fruit
• Coffee and Chocolates

Lunch and dinner were served. Specify any dietry requirements at time of booking e.g. vegetarian.

Refreshments
Coffee/tea was served after meals. Drinks and wine were served before and during the meal. Godiva chocolates were served with the coffee after dinner.

The meals were very tasty but the swordfish I had for dinner was a bit dry.

Toilets

The toilets were kept clean. 
Soap, body lotion, aftershave and fragrance were provided.
Toothbrush and toothpaste were available
Cotton towels and tissues.
Basin to wash hands and brush teeth.
Flowers.

In-flight shopping

In-flight shopping was available after dinner, with a good choice perfumes, jewelry etc.

Travelling with Children

Changing tables in toilets. Baby bassinets must be pre booked. Meal request for children must be made at time of reservation.
Milk and baby food can be warmed up by the cabin crew
Complimentary baby stroller service at Dubai airport.
Read more on  Emirates - Travelling with infants   

 

Crew

I found the crew competent and very friendly.

Disembarking

First class disembarked first, then business class.

Overall opinion

What I liked
The seats were comfortable with a generous recline and footrest.
Entertainment system
Service
Tasty and well presented meals
Complimentary chauffeur drive for first and business class passengers

Not so good
The aircraft is a bit old and flat bed seats in business class would be nice as on other Emirates aircraft