Trip Report: Emirates Boeing 777-300ER Business Class from Amsterdam to Dubai

AMSTERDAM — Hello from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). Today we are heading to Dubai International Airport (DXB) on board an Emirates (EK) Boeing 777-300ER, ahead of a second leg to Adelaide (ADL). This flight gave me a chance to revisit the airline’s older business-class cabin, with its seven-abreast seating and generous legroom.

At the Airport

I used Emirates’ complimentary chauffeur service to reach the airport in comfort before flight EK146. The airline offers the service on eligible business-class fares, with distance limits that vary by city and extra charges beyond the included allowance. I chose EK146 to leave time to explore the Emirates lounge during my connection in Dubai.

I arrived at the airport around three hours before departure and checked my suitcase through to Adelaide. Arrival, check-in, and security were as smooth as it gets. Once past security, I headed through the crowded non-Schengen area to the Aspire Lounge 41, which I have visited several times.

The lounge was busy, but I got lucky and immediately found a seat in the open area. Breakfast was being served. A quick coffee and croissant later, I checked out the views of Schiphol’s widebody lineup, as well as a special stand celebrating Diwali.

With a long walk ahead to gate G9, I left after half an hour, checking out the duty-free shops on the way. At the gate, business-class passengers had a dedicated waiting area. Cargo pallets were being loaded onto our aircraft, A6-ECX, a Boeing 777-300ER delivered in 2009. Its three-class layout had eight first-class, 42 business-class, and 304 economy seats. The aircraft shone in the cold Dutch morning light, and I appreciated the views through Schiphol’s spotless windows. Emirates’ livery still looks timeless to me on the 777.

Welcome on Board

Boarding started on time through doors 1L and 2L. Before reaching my seat at the front of the business-class cabin, I took a quick look at first class. Despite its age, this remains the most iconic cabin in the skies in my view; the seats and colors are unmistakably Emirates.

Business class featured the airline’s older 2-3-2 layout. Emirates has been introducing a 1-2-1 layout on refurbished 777s, but this flight offered the earlier product. Despite its age, the cabin was immaculate and everything I used worked properly. At my seat, I found noise-canceling headphones, bedding, slippers, an eye mask, and a bottle of water. No amenity kit was offered on this daytime flight of around six hours.

My seat had three windows with blinds and reclined into an angled-flat bed. The lack of direct aisle access was a drawback, but I appreciated the open legroom, without an enclosed footwell. A large partition between the seats provided privacy. A tablet controlled the inflight entertainment (IFE) screen, which would otherwise have been too far away to reach. There was also a universal power outlet, a foldable cocktail table, a cup holder, and an adjustable headrest. A selection of magazines was available at the front of the cabin.

After a welcome drink, the crew introduced themselves and handed out the menu, wine list, and a hot towel. We pushed back on time and headed to runway 36C for our northbound departure, flying around Amsterdam and climbing toward Germany through clear skies.

In flight

Lunch service started after takeoff with an aperitif and a choice of nuts or olives. I had already studied the menu on the Emirates app and opted for the Arabic mezze, a must for me when flying Emirates, followed by prawn machbous, which I was trying for the first time. The warm mixed nuts paired perfectly with the 2010 Bordeaux, while the mezze featured many of the flavors I look forward to when traveling to the Gulf region. For the main course, I loved the combination of rich, aromatic rice and delicate seafood. I made sure to leave some space for dessert: a roasted white chocolate and hazelnut delight, served with port, chocolates, and an espresso.

The wine list featured two reds and two whites, with some of the best options I have enjoyed in the skies. I can understand why wine lovers would choose Emirates for its selection. I also used the complimentary Wi-Fi to keep in touch with friends and family, with no noticeable lag. Emirates offers free whole-flight internet to Skywards members in first and business class; eligibility and the service available depend on the flight. I spent much of the flight browsing the IFE selection before settling on the live news feed.

The entertainment selection included movies, TV series, music, and a live camera feed. I also freshened up in one of the lavatories, where I found dental kits, hand cream, combs, perfumes, and shaving kits.

As darkness fell, we cruised over the Gulf. We soon began our descent, flying above Dubai International before turning to line up with the runway. We touched down smoothly and headed to Concourse B, where I made my connection after security and a short walk.

The seat was showing its age, but its benefits were easy to appreciate. The legroom and space made up for the limited storage, while the large partition gave me enough privacy. The lack of direct aisle access remained the main drawback.

Dining and entertainment were highlights of this flight. Although the screen and tablet were showing their age, the selection still stood out. The dining experience matched my previous flights with Emirates, among the best I have had. The cabin crew made the strongest impression: everyone was kind, friendly, and attentive, and I really enjoyed our many conversations.