Beijing, China, 21st May, 2020 – Today is the world’s first International Tea Day. As one of the top three most recognized healthy drinks, together with coffee and cacao, tea is now loved by more than 3 billion people around the world. Emirates, one of the largest international airline, has entered into the 28th year in its partnership with the iconic Sri Lankan tea brand Dilmah on bringing distinguished tea experience to passengers.
This month, Emirates pays a warm tribute to one of the world’s most experienced and celebrated teamakers, Merrill J. Fernando, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. This also represents the nearly three-decade long and deep partnership between the airline and Dilmah.
In his video greeting to Mr. Fernando – who also celebrates his 70th year in the tea industry – Darren Bott, Emirates’ Vice President of Catering, Global Food & Beverage, emphasised the warmth and respect between the Emirates and Dilmah. The two companies have worked together for 28 years to serve a selection of Ceylon Teas created by Dilmah on Emirates flights across the globe.
Emirates and Dilmah – a global partnership in tea
Since 1992 until global outbreak of COVID-19 in March, Emirates has been serving 12 different varieties of Dilmah tea in its lounges and on board of its flights. Behind every blend is the passion of Dilmah’s founder, Mr. Fernando, who launched the brand with the aim to produce the finest, freshest quality tea made from hand-picked leaves from the central hills of Sri Lanka.
Across all Emirates flights, Economy Class passengers can enjoy the Dilmah experience with a cup of Premium Ceylon Black Tea or Natural Green Tea. Meanwhile, First and Business Class passengers can choose from a fine selection of gourmet blends to suit their mood – from an energy boosting Earl Grey, to a mellow Pure Camomile Flowers – or try bespoke teas such as Sencha Green Extra Special or Breakfast in Paradise, with turmeric, coconut and vanilla.
The pinnacle of the airline’s tea selection is the exclusive Emirates Signature Tea served only in First Class – a single-estate tea made from Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe 1 leaf growing on the Dombagastalawa Estate, in Sri Lanka’s Nawalapitiya region. The artisanal tea is made with a sprinkling of marigold and safflower, combined with the sensual fragrance of rose, a firm almond note, and a touch of ginger representing flavours of the Middle East.
Let’s fly better than ever when everything returns to normal
Effective today, Emirates is going to operate scheduled flight services to nine destinations: London Heathrow Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne. The airline is also working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations. It’s for sure that in the near future, Chinese passengers will board on Emirates flights to enjoy distinguished tea experience onboard again.
For passengers who are looking forward to the perfect brew, they can still choose to brew a cup at home and go on an imaginary tour with Dilmah tea. Visit Emirates official store (emirates.store) to shop a special Dilmah tea box featuring two kinds of tea created by Dilmah exclusively for Emirates First Class. Skywards members can also shop with Skywards Miles.
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About Emirates
Emirates connects people and places around the globe, inspiring travel and facilitating trade across 157 destinations in 83 countries and territories. On-board its modern and efficient fleet of 269 aircraft, Emirates offers award-winning comfort and service, delivered by friendly cabin crew representing over 130 nationalities. Today, Emirates operates the world’s largest and one of the youngest fleets of the iconic A380 and popular Boeing 777s.
Emirates was the first airline to establish non-stop connectivity between the Middle East and mainland China, launching freighter operations to Shanghai in 2002, followed by passenger services to the city in 2004, Beijing in 2006, Guangzhou in 2008. Today, Emirates operates 35 flights per week to China – twice daily A380 services to Beijing and Shanghai, daily A380 services to Guangzhou. In addition to its passenger services, Emirates operates seven weekly cargo services to Shanghai and three weekly cargo services to Guangzhou.
