Emirates is marking the 10th anniversary of its worldwide lounge network and says after a decade, demand for the service is growing.

More than 22 million customers have been served since the airline opened its first lounge outside of its Dubai hub: Brisbane in 2004.

In the financial year ending March 2014, more than four million customers spent time relaxing at the 36 Emirates lounges.

These are staffed by a 1,400-strong team who can interact with customers in over 25 languages.

In the past 10 years the airline has since invested more than €300m in its lounge network, to open new facilities and refurbish existing ones.

Combined, Emirates lounges span an area of 69,565 square metres, and can seat 11,526 people at one time, reflecting the demand from customers in tandem with the airline’s growth.

“We have made significant investments to develop our network of lounges over the past decade, and we will continue to invest in this product, because we see it as an integral part of the total value proposition for our premium customers,” said Mohammed H Mattar, one of the airline’s senior vice presidents.

“Our expanding lounge network is addressing a clear need and expectation from customers.

“We pay as much attention to the on-ground experience as we do to the onboard product and service,” he added.

“Before they even board the plane, premium customers enjoy exclusive chauffeur drive service, dedicated airport check-in counters, and luxurious lounge facilities: this is all part of the Emirates experience and we will never compromise on quality.”

Emirates currently operates daily scheduled flights between Malta and Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus.