October 1 2024  |  Airline & Terminal News

Emirates celebrates International Coffee Day

By PAX International Magazine Staff


Emirates serves its own signature blend of traditional Arabic coffee

Emirates is marking International Coffee Day on 1 October, highlighting more than 170,000 kilograms annual consumption of the beverage by coffee-loving passengers. The airline is celebrating the wide array of artisan coffee served in Emirates lounges and onboard flights to 140 destinations around the world, including Emirates’ own signature blend of traditional Arabic coffee.

Emirates serves more than 130,000 kilograms of coffee onboard every year and commissions its signature blend of Arabic Coffee in collaboration with artisan local producer, Mattina.

Mattina’s Arabic Coffee blend for Emirates uses quality Arabica beans, complemented by natural cardamom and saffron, in line with the traditional recipes passed down through generations and replicating the ceremonial coffee experience that has been central to Arabian hospitality for centuries. The blend features Arabica beans from the Cerrado de Minas region of Brazil, known for their smooth, mild, and aromatic character. These beans are lightly roasted to create the light brownish colour that is characteristic of the Arabic Emirati Qahwa.

The Emirates Arabic Coffee is blended with cardamom from the highlands of Guatemala famous for its rich and intense flavours, a spice that gives Qahwa its distinctive, aromatic taste, while also featuring subtle hints of world’s finest saffron, adding to the authenticity of the Qahwa tradition. Emirates signature blend of Arabic coffee is served inflight to First Class passengers globally and is also available to order in the First and Business Class Lounges.

Across the Emirates network, passengers can enjoy a variety of coffee blends inflight including Lavazza, Coffee Planet, the Nairobi Coffee and Tea Company, and a host of independent suppliers globally. As part of the meal service, Economy and Premium Economy passengers are offered coffee once or twice during their flight, while Business and First Class travellers can order from a Lavazza Italian coffee menu on demand, including options like decaffeinated coffee, cappuccino, iced Americano, espresso, macchiato and affogato al café. Emirates also works with Coffee Planet to create bespoke drinks for special occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, such as the rose-kissed mocha or orange crush latte.

Emirates Cabin Crew receive specialized coffee training, where they learn about the origins of coffee, different blends and how to make the perfect cup for every passenger. In practical training sessions, cabin crew learn how to serve and present each coffee type and are assessed on the preparation and delivery of Emirates signature Arabic coffee.

First Class passengers can enjoy their coffee in a choice of Royal Doulton fine bone mug or cup, and Business Class passengers in the fine bone china mug. The quality of the water used to make the coffee is also considered and regularly monitored, and Emirates ensures that the water tanks, equipment used for transportation and supply lines provide perfectly potable water, through regular disinfection, maintenance and audits.

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