Emirates is opening up its lounges at its Dubai hub to lower-tier frequent flyer members in what is the latest move by the world's largest long-haul airline to look for new ways to boost revenues.
Emirates, which reported a 75 percent drop in half-year profit in November, had previously restricted access to these lounges to higher-tier frequent flier members and business or first class travellers.
© REUTERS/Ashraf Mohammad
In an email sent out to Skywards frequent flier members, seen by Reuters, passengers with Blue-tier status, the lowest of four membership categories, can pay $100 to access the airline's Dubai business lounge and $200 for the first class lounge.
An Emirates spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters that the email was sent out to Skywards members.
Other changes to the lounge access policy include Skywards members being allowed to pay for access for non-member travel companions and upgrading from business to first class lounges, according to the email dated Jan. 13.
Emirates, trying to counter the impact of overcapacity in the market and tighter corporate travel budgets, is looking at other additional revenue sources, including fees on bags.
The airline introduced fees for advanced seat selection for economy passengers in October.
Emirates has said it planned to introduce premium economy, a class between economy and business, by 2018.
- REUTERS
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