Showers, bars, lounge - Emirates Airbus A380 has them all

Tuesday 19th August, 06:55 AM JST

Emirates’ new Airbus A380 has some luxurious amenities. This particular aircraft features 489 seats with 14 in first class suites, 76 in business and 399 in economy class. The airline has also ordered two other versions of the A380, one with 517 seats in a three-class configuration, and the other with 604 seats in a two class layout. The new plane has a wide range of innovations to help make journeys more comfortable and enjoyable, but the biggest surprise is definitely in the aircraft’s premium cabin - First Class.

First Class passengers will be able to relax in one of 14 private suites, with seats that convert to fully flat beds. The suites are equipped with an electrically operated door, mini bar, reading lights, work desk with built-in illuminated vanity mirror, personal electrically controlled mini-bar and room service feature.

Other features include a fold-out mechanical table, a flower vase, a literature pocket, a credenza sideboard, wardrobe, forward and aft stationary panels and screens.

To ensure passenger privacy adjoining center suites in the middle of the First Class cabin have an electrically-operated privacy divider that can be raised and lowered.

The suite is 2.08 meters long, with a seat that reclines from upright position to sleep position with a total length of 78.87 inches. The seat cushions are a comfortable 21.6 inches wide. The seat/bed is equipped with an electrically-operated leg rest, backrest, headrest, armrest, seat frame, leg rest extension and seat pan extension which enable the seat to convert to any preset position (upright, dining, or bed) or to any intermediate position between upright and flat-bed.

The innovative seats also feature a multi-mode massage system with adjustable speed and intensity, and lumbar support adjustment.

A touch screen Wireless Integrated Passenger Seat Controller allows passengers to control Emirates’ IFE (In-flight Entertainment) and seat functions. A 23-inch wide LCD screen is linked to Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system while a PC power outlet, dual USB port and RJU headphone jack allows passengers to create their own entertainment.

The most outstanding new feature, and something which will forever change First Class travel, is the Shower Spas. The First Class cabins on Emirates A380, in addition to all the above, also provide passengers with two fully-equipped bathrooms, complete with shower facilities. The two Shower Spas consist of a shower cubicle with water temperature / time control, vanity unit and wash basin, clothes changing area and toilet. A hairdryer and even a full length mirror have been installed. A 15.4-inch LCD monitor in each shower displays the live Airshow and tail camera output.

Other features of the bathrooms include heated flooring, leather seating, and exotic flowers to create a relaxed ambience. To ensure passengers arrive at their destination in the best possible shape, the airline provides passengers with cosmetics that include perfumes by Bvlgari and Timeless Spa shampoo, conditioner, body moisturizer shower gel and exfoliate.

The aircraft also features two bar areas, one exclusively for First Class and the other for both First and Business Class passengers.

First Class passengers have the use of a fully-stocked bar, situated at the front of the First Class cabin on the upper deck. First and Business Class passengers can use the Lounge situated at the rear of the Business Class cabin on the upper deck. In addition to a fully stocked bar containing premium branded liquers and spirits and a selection of hot and cold canapés and snacks, there are two sofas, and a 42 inch LCD screen showing the aircraft’s position and views from its external cameras.

Each cabin features a unique, advanced mood lighting system, complete with a starlit sky. This adjusts throughout a flight to reflect the time at the destination, and to help combat effects of jet lag.

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15 Comments

Altria at 09:25 AM JST - 19th August

I'll write a first-hand report on the facilities if JT pays for my ticket.
techall at 09:30 AM JST - 19th August

Sounds like my way of flying. Just a couple of thoughts though. First, who would want to take off all your clothes to shower on an airliner? I can see it now, just about the time you lather up the "fasten seatbelt" light comes on. Then the electric doors, doesn't sound like the ideal situation for evacuating a crowded airliner in an emergency. The seats folding down to make a flat bed is something I would really like, I've never been able to sleep on the tourture chamber seats on regular airliners. The bars sound good too, I remenber that the first 747s had a bar on the upper deck (with a piano!). but obviously it was not popular enough to continue. Anyway, I'm for anything that makes long flights more enjoyable.
PepinGalarga at 01:04 PM JST - 19th August

makes it a cinch to join the mile-high club.
PepinGalarga at 01:07 PM JST - 19th August

techall: this just shows how the balance of capital has swayed away from the US. In the US, the no-frills almost-out-of-business approach makes it impossible to do this.
teaabe at 01:46 PM JST - 19th August

does first class come with a parachute just in case?

the goodies are always good for the rich, of course.
beggars fly economy, desperados the cargo bay.
osmondau at 02:42 PM JST - 19th August

this is an tremendous contrast when american carriers are antsy to earn few more bucks on beverages, pillows, baggages in order to survive their existences while oiler carrier offers their extravagant services never b4!!
hereandthere at 03:22 PM JST - 19th August

have petro-dollars, will fly
techall at 06:32 PM JST - 19th August

I haven't seen the price tag for a flight in first or business class on one of these puppies but my guess is that this is not going to be a trend. I think is was Virgin who started the no-frills air line business and that has been the popular demand by consumers ever since. Most fliers don't need a meal and free drinks on a four hour flight but want a cut in the air fares instead. Actually I never though the words airplane and food belong in the same sentence, I would rather pack a lunch and a 6 pack.
Damax6 at 10:47 PM JST - 19th August

All that space and comfort for the First and Business class, i guess people in the nose-bleed class will be still all cramped in the tail end...what features are there for coach?????. Any upgrades award
rajakumar at 01:17 AM JST - 20th August

Petrodollars need airlines to sell crude.

Emirates in middle east is expanding more and more,contributing to higher crude oil purchases for its use.

Dubai airport(emirates home) has risen out of nowhere to be main hub on the global air route scene. Notice the amount of adverts of emirates on football players shirts. Definitely A380s from emirates going big over the global air routes.
outofmydepth at 09:56 AM JST - 20th August

i once looked up the price of economy on this airline. heart attack!! i could fly no frills return 4 times for what they are asking for coach.
SushiSake3 at 09:36 PM JST - 20th August

Hey, in the industry, we call the Airbus 380 the 'Bye Bye Boeing' airship :-)
techall at 04:30 PM JST - 22nd August

SushiSake3: Current Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner Orders as of August 7, 2008 Plane Orders
A380 192
787 Dreamliner 896
From Wikinvest

Not exactly Bye Bye Boing. Also, Airbus has conceded that due to cost overruns, late fees and other factors, the A380 will never make a euro for the company.
Scrote at 11:03 AM JST - 26th August

I'm sure showers and beds are all very nice, but you won't get to your destination any quicker.

I'll be sticking with thrombosis class.
natosucks at 10:27 AM JST - 1st September

I'm sure showers and beds are all very nice, but you won't get to your destination any quicker.

I'll be sticking with thrombosis class I love your comment:) thrombosis class ha,ha,ha....