Emirates has launched its first airport lounge in Africa at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, bringing the total number of lounges the airline has established across its network to 23.

The Dubai-based airline has also unveiled plans to introduce three more Emirates Lounges to cater for its First and Business Class passengers and frequent flyers over the next 12 months, to be located at Manchester, Birmingham and Hamburg airports.

Amongst international airlines, Emirates is one of few that truly invest in developing its own exclusive lounge facilities for customers at airports outside of its home base. To date, it has invested over Dhs 230 million (US$63m) in expanding its lounge network worldwide. Including its newest in Johannesburg, the airline has opened four Emirates Lounges in quick succession since April this year, the other three in Dusseldorf, Mumbai and Beijing.

Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Services, said: “Emirates Lounges continue to provide a luxurious sanctuary and unbeatable service to our cherished customers. Together with other value-added services such as Emirates Chauffeur Drive, dedicated check-in counters and priority baggage handling, the Emirates Lounge is an integral part of our premium product.

“These services clearly illustrate Emirates’ commitment to providing our customers with a high-quality experience throughout their journey – both on the ground and in the air. We will continue to investigate and introduce more innovative ways to enhance the overall customer experience.”

Emirates began developing dedicated lounges outside of its Dubai hub in 2004. Today, the airline’s 23 lounges can serve over 5,600 Emirates passengers at any one time, giving its premium customers the ability to wait for their flights in a comfortable and luxurious environment.

Mr Mattar added: “In our last financial year, over two million passengers enjoyed the facilities at Emirates Lounges around the world. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and tells us that our customers appreciate having an exclusive sanctuary to rest and refresh before their flights.”

Each lounge is fully equipped to Emirates’ high standards with signature touches such as cream leather couches, designer showers, full bar service and a variety of hot and cold food. In addition, business centres and complimentary wireless internet allow Emirates passengers to stay up to date, right up until take-off.

At Dubai International Airport, Emirates has two lounges located in its flagship Terminal 3 – one for First Class and one for Business Class passengers; and a lounge in Terminal 1*. Around the airline’s global network, Emirates Lounges are located at airports in: Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Melbourne, Mumbai, Munich, New York - John F Kennedy, Paris - Charles de Gaulle, Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Zurich.

Emirates Lounges cater to First and Business Class passengers, as well as Gold members of Emirates’ frequent flyer programme, Skywards.