There are partnerships, and then there are partnerships.
The bond between Emirates Airline and Dilmah Ceylon Tea is one such partnership that took off over three decades ago. Having served their first cup of Dilmah back in 1992, the multi-award-winning airline continues to serve a selection of twelve Dilmah favourites to their passengers, 33 years later – a time span that minnows even the iconic A380 aircraft’s mammoth wing span!
With an average of 33 million cups of Dilmah tea being poured out across Emirates’ cabins and lounges in a year, it is beyond apparent that this partnership is built on a strong foundation of trust and understanding. Both Dilmah and Emirates are internationally appreciated brands that are determined to leave their consumers with a lingering taste of satisfaction. The mutual recognition and respect for each other’s shared values has enabled the establishment of a partnership that has overcome challenging phases over the years, including economic recessions and the recent COVID-19 pandemic which brought global travel to a standstill.
From Emirates Group Head Quarters in Dubai, UAE to the Dilmah Tea Head Office in Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka, there is much admiration between the two companies for their shared philosophies. Product/service quality is of paramount importance to both, with Emirates determined to give its passengers a ‘Fly Better’ experience, and Dilmah – in late Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s words – set to ‘Make the World a Better Tea’. Likewise, both brands are heavily involved in giving back to the community, too, through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the MJF Charitable Foundation, respectively.
It seems only fitting, therefore, that Dilmah has created a unique Emirates Signature Tea that culminates a long-standing bond between the two entities. The exclusive tea is served to the airline’s First Class passengers, and is a combination of Dombagastalawa Estate Ceylon FBOP1 tea with safflower and marigold flowers, scented with rose, ginger and almond. Whether you’re looking to wind down and catch up on some rest, or to reawaken your senses after a nap, the incredible aromatic combination is capable of both rejuvenation and relaxation. It is best enjoyed without milk or sugar, although it does pair well with the little sweet treats that Emirates’ hospitable crew might offer.
This year (2025), in celebration of International Tea Day on 21st May, passengers travelling across all cabins on Emirates flights over 2.5 hours received a gift pack of three Dilmah Teas – Emirates Signature Tea, Moroccan Mint Green Tea and Black Tea with Strawberry. First and Business Class customers were also treated to specially-crafted Dilmah Tea-inspired mocktails and cocktails at Emirates Lounges internationally. It was a celebration not just of the finest tea in the world, but also of a fine partnership that has taken quality Ceylon tea and in-flight hospitality across borders, to newer and greater heights – literally and metaphorically.
So, here’s raising a cuppa to a perfectly-brewed partnership between Emirates Airline and Dilmah Ceylon Tea, for many more decades to come!
