Emirates Skywards Expands Rewards to Include Premium Economy Flights

Emirates Honored at 2026 APEX/IFSA Global Expo

At the recent APEX/IFSA Global Expo held in Long Beach, California, Emirates emerged as a major winner, capturing two distinguished global accolades that celebrate excellence in aviation.

APEX Best™ Global Entertainment Award for ice System

From over 600 airlines worldwide, Emirates was selected for the coveted 2026 APEX Best™ Global Entertainment Award, reflecting the loyalty and preferences of a remarkable one million verified passengers. The airline’s ice inflight entertainment system continues to lead the skies, boasting the largest media library available during flight hours.

With a treasure trove of more than 6,500 entertainment options, including up to 2,000 movies, 650 TV shows, and over 4,000 hours of music, podcasts, and audiobooks in 40 languages, ice offers passengers a rich, diverse onboard experience. Premium providers such as HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Food Network, and Spotify among others, contribute to this ever-evolving content selection. Additional highlights include five live TV channels featuring sports and news, flight progress updates with an airshow feature, and stunning high-altitude views through external cameras perched at 40,000 feet.

Next-Generation Entertainment Rollout: Airbus A350 Fleet

Emirates is investing over US$350 million to install the latest Thales AVANT Up inflight entertainment across its new Airbus A350 aircraft. This cutting-edge technology offers triple the content capacity of previous systems, 4K QLED HDR display screens, enhanced live TV options, intuitive interfaces, and improved connectivity. This upgrade marks another leap in luxury and convenience for passengers.

APEX WORLD CLASS™ Award for Customer Experience

For the sixth consecutive year, Emirates received the highly prestigious 2026 APEX WORLD CLASS™ award. The accolade applauds the airline’s holistic excellence in categories such as safety, well-being, sustainability, service quality, food and beverage, brand integrity, comfort, personalization, and connectivity. This rigorous and audited award is based on real-time evaluations conducted during actual flights, underscoring Emirates’ unwavering commitment to its “fly better” promise.

Historical Context of Emirates’ Global Recognition

Emirates has steadily built a reputation over decades as a global leader in the aviation industry, synonymous with luxury and innovation. Since its establishment by the Dubai government in 1985, it has become one of the largest international carriers, operating thousands of weekly flights to over 90 destinations.

Its inflight entertainment system, ice, revolutionized flying by offering unparalleled media variety and accessibility, setting a new standard followed by competitors worldwide. The airline’s customer service ethos, emphasizing quality and personalization, has consistently earned multiple awards and accolades, highlighting its focus on passenger satisfaction.

The Importance of APEX Awards in Aviation

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) awards represent some of the highest honors within the airline industry. Recognizing achievements not only in entertainment but also in service, hospitality, and innovation, these awards are influential markers of quality that affect travelers’ choices worldwide.

Winning such awards contributes positively to an airline’s image, encouraging travel confidence and brand loyalty. For a carrier like Emirates, this reinforces its standing on the international stage where competition is fierce, especially on long-haul and luxury travel routes.

2026 APEX Awards Impact on International Tourism

The accolades received by Emirates carry broader significance beyond the airline itself—they resonate with global tourism trends. Enhanced inflight experiences and superior service standards contribute to making destinations more accessible and appealing.

By continuously elevating travel comfort through award-winning entertainment and service, Emirates helps promote international tourism. Travelers attracted by high-quality flights are more likely to explore new beach destinations, luxury marinas, and scenic waterside spots that cater to boating and yachting activities.

How Innovations Influence Boating and Sailing Destinations

Improved aviation services, such as those offered by Emirates, facilitate easier access to popular coastal regions and islands where sailing, yacht charters, and water sports thrive. Destinations connected seamlessly by major airlines see increased visitor footfall, which benefits marine tourism sectors.

For instance, luxury travelers arriving via such renowned carriers are often drawn to the refined experiences of superyacht charters, scenic sailing excursions, and private boat rentals in renowned marinas and gulfs around the world.

Table: Emirates’ Notable Award Details at 2026 APEX Awards

Spotlight on Emirates’ Commitment to Passenger Experience

These prestigious awards underscore Emirates’ dedication to creating an unparalleled journey from departure to arrival. Combining technological innovation, premium service, and strategic investments like the AVANT Up system, the airline elevates the travel experience in ways that resonate with a wide spectrum of passengers—from leisure travelers to business jet-setters.

The Role of Emirates in Shaping Travel Trends

As global travel rebounds and diversifies, Emirates’ continuous innovation in inflight amenities and service quality plays a pivotal role in inspiring confidence among tourists. Passengers now expect not just transportation, but a high-standard experience that complements their destination enjoyment, whether they are heading to turquoise beaches or outfitting superyachts in bustling marinas.

Conclusion: Emirates’ Awards Highlight a New Era of Luxury Travel

Recognized internationally for both its inflight entertainment excellence and holistic customer satisfaction, Emirates sets a high bar that influences not just airline standards but global travel trends. Its success at the 2026 APEX awards confirms its role as a key player in facilitating smooth connections to popular tourism and boating destinations.

For sailing enthusiasts and travelers seeking to explore luxurious waterways and coastal retreats, the seamless access provided by award-winning airlines like Emirates enhances possibilities for yacht charters, boating adventures, and marine activities. Those planning their next adventure on the sea will find that pairing exceptional air service with yacht or sailing boat rentals creates an unbeatable combination for unforgettable journeys.

To discover a broad selection of sailing boats and yachts for rent in world-class marine resorts connected by Emirates, visit GetBoat.com—a global marketplace that caters to every taste and budget in the world of yachting, sailing, and boating.