The airline is celebrating International Tea Day by giving a commemorative gift box to customers transiting in Dubai tomorrow.

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is celebrating its longstanding partnership with Dilmah Tea by offering a special commemorative tea box to customers flying to Dubai tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st. The signature teas have been served on flights and in Emirates’ airport lounges around the world for the past 30 years.

The special tea pack includes three different flavors: Ceylon Breakfast, an Emirates exclusive Turmeric Coconut and Vanilla, and the popular Earl Grey with Honey. The airline will also offer Dilmah Tea infused mocktails in its signature Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa that features on its Airbus A380 fleet this Saturday for First and business class customers.

The teas offered by Emirates are chosen based on their popularity and resonance with customers and by analyzing tea drinking trends. Special consideration was taken to cater to different drinking preferences, and the tastes range from the traditional mint to citrus-infused. Thomas Ney, DSVP, Service Delivery at Emirates, expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership:

"Emirates focuses on dishes that emphasise fresh ingredients of the highest quality. We pay special attention to every detail and the quality of the tea we offer our customers is no different. The fact that we have served Dilmah Tea for 30 years across all our cabins is proof of its quality and our satisfaction with the perfect cup of tea.

We have an exceptional partnership with Dilmah and we have grown in tandem for the last 30 years. Over 9.6 million tea bags are used each year across our fleet with more than 10 tea varieties on offer”.

Taking the top spot for passengers in economy class is the Dilmah Ceylon Black Tea. Passengers in Emeriates's lounges and flying in business class have a selection of six teas, while travelers flying in first class may choose from a further six selections. The winner from premium cabins is the traditional Moroccan Mint and Breakfast Tea.

Suggested food pairings suggested include the Moroccan Mint Green tea with Labneh, a tangy and creamy yogurt dish with roast vegetables suitable for vegetarians. The airline recommends Sencha Green Extra Special Tea for those ordering sushi and seafood, which evokes a fresh, delicate flavor with a touch of sweetness and a smooth herbal finish.

The carrier has increasingly focused on wellness amongst customers and accordingly recently introduced a Turmeric, coconut, and vanilla tea, known for its high antioxidant properties in its airport lounges. Dilhan C. Fernando, son of Dilmah, Founder and now CEO of the family company, elaborated on the success of its partnership:

“For 30 years we have grown a tea inspired collaboration with Emirates, offering customers a uniquely Emirates experience in tea. To celebrate the Pearl Anniversary of our partnership in tea, we made a tea that is as rare as it is magnificent. A seasonal tea with extraordinary finesse, handpicked from tea bushes prepared for months and crafted into a numbered limited edition tea.

Our co-operation with Emirates truly presents the luxury in fine tea, and – in our tea mocktails and food pairings –contemporary, tea inspired hospitality. For the last 30 years we have created these unique moments for Emirates customers either on the ground in its lounges around the world or at 40,000 feet and this year is no different. We are excited to have the special 30 year blend on board Emirates’ fleet.”

Any passenger passing through Dubai on Saturday is eligible to receive one of the commemorative tea boxes.

First Class passengers on Emirates flights bound for the United Kingdom will be served the exclusive Brilliant Breakfast tea created by Dilmah founder and passionate tea maker Memill Fernando, which will be paired with the afternoon tea service onboard. Emirates currently flies to seven UK destinations from its Dubai hub: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, and London at Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted.

Journalist - Jonathan served as an International Air Cadet Exchange Ambassador to Canada, and was stationed at RAF Lakenheath as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S Air Force. With a passion for discovering new destinations, he has visited over 70 countries from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe. Jonathan holds honors degrees in both Nursing and European Studies. Based in Essex, England