The ascendance of the Middle East carriers over the last two decades has been primarily built around how they treat their premium customers, from an exclusive onboard Residence to the unparalleled comfort of the Emirates premium economy cabin. So it was a little surprising that it has taken Emirates until now to introduce its chauffeur-drive services for first- and business-class passengers in neighboring Saudi Arabia.
Giving Riyadh guests a taste of the Emirates’ magic
On Monday, Emirates announced it had introduced Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS) in Riyadh, further elevating the travel experience for premium passengers arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Customers traveling in Emirates First and Business Class will be able to enjoy a stress-free, comfortable journey with a door-to-door transfer that reflects the Dubai-based airline’s approach to premium travel experiences.
The exclusive Chauffeur-Drive transfer is available to First and Business Class passengers on any of Emirates’ three daily flights to and from Riyadh.This premium service is complimentary for customers within a 100-kilometer radius of the airport, although excess mileage will apply for areas beyond the served radius. What is surprising is that the service is already available in more than 70 cities within the Emirates’ network but is only now being offered to customers in Riyadh.
Emirates is bringing more to Saudi Arabia
Beyond bringing its global chauffeur transfers to Riyadh, Emirates is making significant investments in the Kingdom to bring a heightened level of service in the air and on the ground to Saudi Arabia. This initiative includes a new dedicated 900-square-meter lounge in Terminal 1 at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah that will cost $5.4 million and cater to 190 guests at any one time. In October, Riyadh became Emirates’ first GCC destination to welcome the airline’s refurbished Boeing 777s.
These widebodies have a four-class layout, offering passengers an all-new Business Class cabin and 24 premium economy seats. This allows guests to treat themselves to a more spacious seat and premium experience for their business or leisure trips. The Boeing 777 business class cabin offers more privacy and direct aisle access, and from November 22, Dammam will be the second Saudi Arabian destination served by the retrofitted widebody.
An opportunity to travel on the iconic Airbus A380
Emirates also operates its Airbus A380 super jumbos on triple-daily flights to Jeddah, with features such as the exclusive Onboard Lounge, Shower Spa, private First-Class suites and many other signature Emirates cabin features. The airline is also committed to contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plans, using aviation to facilitate international connectivity, boost tourism and foster economic growth.
For example, Emirates announced an expanded two-way interline partnership with Riyadh-based airline flynas at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. The agreement allows flynas’ customers to connect across any of Emirates’ gateways in Saudi Arabia to select onward destinations on the airline’s network in the Far East, West Asia and Indian Ocean and Europe.
Source: simpleflying