Emirates Clinches Two Prestigious Global Honours at 2026 APEX Awards
Emirates has once again cemented its position as a leader in global aviation, after receiving two major accolades at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California. The Dubai-based carrier was named the winner of the 2026 APEX Best™ Global Entertainment Award for its renowned inflight entertainment system, ice, and received the 2026 APEX WORLD CLASS™ Award for its all-round customer experience and brand excellence.
The airline’s ice system, already celebrated as the world’s most comprehensive media library in the sky, triumphed over more than 600 global competitors. The award was determined through one million verified passenger votes. Offering over 6,500 channels of films, television, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and live television across 40 languages, ice continues to set the benchmark for inflight entertainment.
Emirates is also investing over US$350 million in its new Airbus A350 fleet, equipping them with Thales’ AVANT Up next-generation system. This includes 4K QLED HDR displays, expanded live TV options, enhanced interfaces, and improved connectivity – promising passengers an even more immersive inflight experience.
The airline also secured the APEX WORLD CLASS™ Award for the sixth consecutive year, reaffirming its “fly better” commitment. Audited by industry experts during real flights, the award recognises world-class performance across safety, service, sustainability, food and beverage, hospitality, comfort, and connectivity.
These achievements build on a string of recent accolades, including being voted Best Long Haul Airline at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, and ranking as 2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand by YouGov – the only airline to appear on the global top ten list.
With its latest wins, Emirates continues to strengthen its reputation as the airline of choice for millions of travellers worldwide.
