Sit back and relax, you’re high up in the sky, flying on a jumbo jet all the way from Dubai to Australia.

The entertainment system carries over 140 films and has over 70 television channels, plus 350 audio channels

You’re in for a long-haul flight and may already be feeling a bit depressed over the very long time you’re bound to stay cooped up in such a confined space as a plane.

If you’re that kind of person that can sleep practically anywhere, as many luckily are, then you have absolutely no problem, for the sleeping arrangements on the aircraft are just fine. But if sleeping does present a problem, then, well, it is not the end of the world as you’ll have enough electronic gadgets around you to keep you busy until you do fall asleep without even knowing.

And if you’re not all that keen on gadgets, or do not like watching films or have an inclination to go through James Joyce’s Ulysses, don’t worry, counting the stars may do the trick for you.

Counting the stars? Yes, it’s no joke, that is, if you’re travelling on an Emirates Boeing 777 or A380.

The plane manufacturers have fitted an ingenious replica of a starlit sky, complete with twinkling constellations, as part of a mood lighting system that adjusts itself throughout the flight to reflect the time at destination.

This is meant to help you adjust your internal ‘body clock’ and reduce jetlag. Isn’t that fantastic? It is, but does it work? It is difficult to say, but at least it does create the right sort of environment that helps you to dose off.

On the other hand, if you do like watching films, you can easily tap into the in-flight entertainment system, ‘ice’, which, in the airline’s own words, allows you to watch and listen to what you want, when you want.

You’re really spoilt for choice. If you are news junkie, you may want to get up to date with the latest world news every now and then by switching on the BBC news headlines. Or you may simply play a video game or two.

The system provides over 40 interactive games, enough to keep you busy throughout the flight. Even if you are not keen on films, going through the extensive list available may make you pick one that you might have regretted not seeing when it made the rounds in local cinemas. One memorable film, for instance, is Invictus, the sports drama in which Morgan Freeman, a great actor, plays the role of former South African president Nelson Mandela.

The film, set at a time of high racial tension, brings out the great leadership qualities that Mandela had during such a sensitive and delicate period in his country’s history. No wonder he is so loved by his people.

Or, you may prefer seeing the Antiques Road Show, a television series that that draws the crowds and television audiences. A man in one of the programmes has quite a collection of train tickets, many dating from bygone times.

Ice carries over 140 films and has over 70 television channels, plus 350 audio channels.

By the way, seats in business class are housed in a shell with built-in amenities, such as mini-bar, a separate foot extension (electrically operated), laptop stowage and adjustable headrests.

If you are occasionally inclined to throw dietary caution to the wind, you’re bound to add some extra weight before you reach your destination for Emirates does pamper you.

Drinks? No problem: white or red wine? Is Chablis Premier Cru 2009 fine for you? Or, maybe, Saint Claire Sauvignon Blanc 2010? How about Les Tourelles de Longueville 2005?

Just in case you’re well off or are in the mood to splash out on the good things in life, then go for first class, where private suites are equipped with all manner of facilities, including a work desk. You can even have a shower in one of the two shower spas reserved for first class passengers. Finest champagne, Royal Doulton bone china service, hot canapés... well, a first-class service.

But economy class passengers need not fear that pampering is just for those in first- and business-class. Emirates boasts that it was the first airline to provide economy travellers with their own individual television screens in 1992.

The selection of food and drinks on economy flights is just as extensive and don’t worry, ice is accessible to you too.

Emirates connections

Emirates operates daily flights between Malta and Dubai via Larnaca in Cyprus.

From Dubai, passengers can take onward connections to over 100 Emirates destinations across six continents.

Australia is a huge market for Emirates with 70 flights a week through four gateways, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

From Dubai, Emirates flies three times daily to Melbourne and Sydney and twice daily to Brisbane and Perth.

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