The $5,000 question: Why do Emirates’ Manila First Class seats sell out daily?

The Philippines has become a textbook example of post-pandemic revenge travel, but with a premium twist. The term ‘revenge travel’ first appeared on social media in 2021 and was used to describe people taking trips to make up for vacations lost during the global health crisis. 

But when Emirates introduced its First Class product to Manila in December 2021, Filipino travelers didn’t just show interest, they bought out every seat, every day for the next three years.

Emirates operates three daily flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), but only one offers a three-class configuration. 

That single flight features eight private First Class suites aboard a Boeing 777-300ER, along with 42 Business Class seats and 310 Economy seats.

And those eight First Class suites? They sell out daily.

“Many of our First Class passengers continue their journeys to Europe, North America, or various destinations across the Middle East. We see a diverse mix – from business executives and leisure travelers to overseas Filipinos returning home,” Saeed Abdulla Miran, Emirates’ Philippines Country Manager, told AeroTime in an exclusive interview.

“What they all have in common is a deep appreciation for the privacy, comfort, and personalized service our premium cabins consistently deliver. It’s that elevated experience that keeps them choosing us time and again.”

The numbers back up the demand. From January to September 2025 alone, Emirates carried more than 2,100 First Class passengers departing from Manila, a testament to consistent and growing interest in premium air travel among Filipino customers.

Emirates is currently the only carrier to offer First Class seats in and out of the Philippines.

Behind the scenes: What makes these suites so special?

AeroTime recently visited Manila Airport to tour the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and explore what makes these eight suites worth the daily sellout.

Before takeoff: The Lounge experience

First Class passengers flying Emirates from Manila are given access to the Marhaba Lounge, Emirates’ partner facility at the airport. First Class ticket holders receive exclusive access to a private section within the lounge, setting the tone for the premium experience ahead.

The suites: Privacy meets comfort

Once aboard, the eight enclosed First Class suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. Decorated in Emirates’ signature cream and gold palette, the suites immediately create a relaxing atmosphere.

Each window-side suite spans three windows, offering expansive views and generous space. Electronic doors close completely, providing the perfect balance between openness and privacy.

The seats recline into fully flat beds at cruising altitude, transforming the space into a comfortable sleeping environment for long-haul journeys.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jean (@jeanholysmithereens)
Amenities that elevate the experience

Here are some of the features that come with the private suites: 

A 24-inch touchscreen monitor with dual control options

A personal minibar stocked with beverages

Ample storage for personal belongings

Multiple charging ports

A vanity mirror with lighting for quick touch-ups
Passengers receive a generously sized travel tote containing inflight pajamas, slippers, and separate Bvlgari amenity kits for men and women.

Why are Filipinos choosing luxury?

A First Class round-trip ticket between Manila and Dubai costs approximately over $5,000 (₱294,000). By comparison, the cheapest Manila-Dubai Economy ticket without checked baggage or meals runs to about $291 (₱17,000).

That’s more than 17 times the base fare. So why are growing numbers of Filipino travelers willing to pay the premium?

A shift in travel mindset

Filipinos have traditionally been budget-conscious travelers. In 2023, Market research firm TGM Research found that 48% of Filipino travelers considered cost and affordability the most crucial factor when booking trips.

But something has changed. While the majority of the Philippines’ 116.8 million population still travels on a budget, a rising segment now prioritizes comfort and experience over price.

Travel group Trevolution reported a 79% surge in Business Class bookings among Filipino travelers in 2023, a trend expected to continue growing.

Saeed has observed this shift firsthand.

“On long haul flights, comfort and convenience have become top priorities. We’ve seen this shift grow stronger post pandemic, as passengers now place a greater value not just on the destination but the journey itself,” he explained.

Economic factors driving premium travel 

Rising purchasing power plays a significant role in this trend, according to Saeed.

“We’re seeing more Filipinos choosing to reward themselves and families with a premium travel experience – from private suites and fine dining to seamless connections through Dubai to 145 destinations on our network.”

The increased spending extends beyond travel. According to a 2025 consumer outlook by BMI Country Risk & Industry Research, a Fitch Solutions unit, Philippine households are projected to surpass pre-COVID purchasing power levels this year. The report attributes this to a recovering labor market and manageable consumer debt.

Average household purchasing power is expected to rise 12.5% above 2019 levels, with the upward trend continuing through 2029.

Trevolution predicts that business and first class travel will continue growing in the Philippines, driven by improved consumer spending, economic resilience, and increasing numbers of Filipinos aspiring to premium flying experiences.

What’s next for premium travelers in Manila?

Filipino travelers seeking elevated experiences have more to look forward to from Emirates.

Saeed revealed that the airline’s large-scale retrofit program is refreshing cabins on both A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The program is also expanding Premium Economy across more routes via Dubai.

Notably, Emirates has retrofitted over 30 Boeing 777 aircraft with its newest First Class product, called “The Game Changer”. However, none of these upgraded aircraft have been deployed to Manila yet.

A retail experience on the ground 

Premium travel enthusiasts can also visit the Emirates World Store at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, one of the airline’s first reimagined retail locations in Southeast Asia, which AeroTime toured earlier in 2025.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jean (@jeanholysmithereens)
The 221-square-meter space allows customers to explore onboard product displays, browse flights through interactive touchscreens, and experience the atmosphere of an Emirates lounge on the ground.

“The Philippines remains a key market for Emirates and a strong contender for future retrofitted aircraft deployment,” Saeed said, hinting that Manila may eventually see the carrier’s latest premium products.

For now, Filipino travelers willing to invest in the journey itself continue filling those eight daily First Class suites. This is a clear signal that the appetite for premium air travel in the Philippines isn’t just a post-pandemic spike, but a sustained shift in how Filipinos choose to fly.

RELATED

Emirates World Store Manila: A reflection of the emerging APAC luxury market 

The post The $5,000 question: Why do Emirates’ Manila First Class seats sell out daily? appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source