Emirates' latest airport lounge in South Africa brings worldwide total to 23. Emirates launched its first airport lounge in Africa at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.

Emirates has also unveiled plans to roll out three additional Emirates Lounges in Manchester, Birmingham and Hamburg airports over a 12 month period, which will cater to its First and Business Class passengers and frequent flyers.

Amongst international airlines, Emirates is renowned as one of few that truly invest in developing its own exclusive lounge facilities for passengers at airports outside of its home base.

To date, the Dubai-based carrier has invested over Dhs 230 million (US$63m) in expanding the total number of lounges across its network to 23.

Including its newest lounge in Johannesburg, the airline has launched four Emirates Lounges in quick succession since April this year, the other three are in Dusseldorf, Mumbai and Beijing.

Mohammed Mattar, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Services, said: "Emirates Lounges continue to provide a luxurious sanctuary and unbeatable service to our cherished customers.

"Together with other value-added services such as Emirates Chauffeur Drive, dedicated check-in counters and priority baggage handling, the Emirates Lounge is an integral part of our premium product.

"These services clearly illustrate Emirates’ commitment to providing our customers with a high-quality experience throughout their journey – both on the ground and in the air.

"We will continue to investigate and introduce more innovative ways to enhance the overall customer experience."

Emirates first began developing dedicated lounges outside of its Dubai hub five years ago, in 2004.

Today, the airlines 23 lounges can serve over 5,600 Emirates passengers at any given time, giving its premium customers the ability to wait for their flights in a comfortable and luxurious environment.

Mr Mattar added: "In our last financial year, over two million passengers enjoyed the facilities at Emirates Lounges around the world.

"Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and tells us that our customers appreciate having an exclusive sanctuary to rest and refresh before their flights."

Each lounge features signature Emirates touches such as cream leather couches, designer showers, full bar service and a variety of hot and cold food.

In addition, business centres and complimentary wireless internet allow Emirates passengers to stay up to date, right up until take-off.

At Dubai International Airport, Emirates has two lounges located in its flagship Terminal 3 – one for First Class and one for Business Class passengers; and a lounge in Terminal 1*.

Emirates Lounges are located throughout its global network at airports in: Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Melbourne, Mumbai, Munich, New York - John F Kennedy, Paris - Charles de Gaulle, Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Zurich.

Emirates Lounges cater to First and Business Class passengers, as well as Gold members of Emirates' frequent flyer programme, Skywards.