Just an FYI really for anyone looking to book Emirates 1st Class on the recently added 2nd daily service between Perth and Dubai. This is not an Airbus A380 with the shower spa (which I did know in advance), rather it is a Boeing 777 with the smaller 1st class cabin with 8 vs 14 suites. I just flew the Dubai - Perth leg earlier this week with my wife using Qantas FF points Classic Reward seat redemptions.
I’ve flown both configurations before multiple times and thought I knew what to expect. However, the 777 that has been put into service on this 2nd Perth route is a REALLY old 777. It has what appears to be the first generation infotainment system - a smaller, non-touch enabled TV screen than what is provided in the more recent A380/777 configurations (not the 777 Game-Changer Suites).
… verses the newer (non game changer) 777 touch screen:
Also the detachable tablet device to control the ICE entertainment system, is a very old, poor quality, wired connected LCD device. It was pretty awful and difficult to control the ICE system with it to be honest. The touch mechanism was very hit and miss and inaccurate.
this is the more recent wireless tablet you usually see on 777’s:
Lastly, the “game controller style wired controller” that lives in the arm rest (you lift it up and press a button to pop it out of its little cubby)… this is VERY old school and is the same model that is found in the business class cabin of the 2-3-2 777 configuration.
As for the flight itself, it was amazing as usual. I can’t fault anything. The Purser and Cabin Crew couldn’t do enough for us. The food was brilliant and everything you would expect from a first class experience. Unexpectedly we were the only ones in first class too, so that made it even more pleasant!
I just wanted to provide this information regarding these differences so that others are aware and to show that not all “Full Monty” services Emirates provides (recent quote by Emirates President Sir Tim Clark) are equal.
Happy Hacking!
See you up front!
Image credits:
Review: Emirates 777 Old First Class Paris to Dubai | Prince of Travel
Review: Emirates Boeing 777 (old) First Class Male to Dubai