Emirates Airline’s First and Business Class lounges at Dubai International Airport have been voted the ‘World’s Best Airline Lounge’ for 2003. The Airport Lounge of the Year, the largest survey of airline lounges organised by Skytrax, this year attracted more than 918,336 eligible nominations over a six-month period.

The award is a result of the extensive refurbishment and upgrades that were implemented last year by Emirates for its business and premium travellers. The business centres are equipped with Internet access, laptop connections, telephones, faxes and printers are extremely useful. Lounge staff also offer a wide range of hot and cold meals and refreshments, making bookings, issuing tickets and boarding cards. Says Edward Plaisted, chief executive, Skytrax, “Lounge aesthetics are key attribute here - water features combine with a clever layout of plant areas, making it possible to forget one is actually in the midst of a busy airport. This survey is also not just a vote about product facilities offered, but combines a customers very clear perceptions about the service standards.”