The first of many Airbus A380 SuperJumbos has been delivered to Emirates a few minutes ago. Emirates will start flying this aircraft to New York in just a few days (see our earlier post) and will receive many more in the coming years. Currently Emirates has 58 Airbus A380’s on order, which is by far the largest order from any airlines of the world for this type of Aircraft.
First Airbus A380 delivery to Emirates Airlines (c by Airbus)
The first Emirates A380 has the following seating arrangement:
- 14 seats (suites) in First Class
- 76 seats in Business Class
- 399 seats in Economy Class
Besides all the brand new seats across the three classes, and the first class suites equipped with electrically assisted sliding doors and massaging, full lie-flat beds (seats), the A380 will have very impressive commons areas, such as a lounge bar at the rear-of the upper deck (where First and Business class seats are located) and a luxury-hotel like bathroom in First class (with two showers available). The “Shower Spas” can be attended upon contacting the purser to make an appointment. The dedicated Shower assistants will prepare the Shower Spa prior to each appointment! Even though the bar has been planned before, the Showers seem like a brand new (and very nice) idea!
Emirates A380 Bar (c by Airbus)
Detail of Emirates Airlines First Class Lavatory (c by Airbus)
Shower on the Emirates Airlines A380 (c by Emirates)
The Emirates A380 is the first to use the GP7200 engines (Singapore Airlines - the so far only operator of the superjumbo - has been using Rolls Royce power).
The plane will be flying the inaugural flight between Dubai and New York JFK on August 1 and 2, while it will enroll into normal service starting August 8, 2008. Emirates expects to receive 4 more of the aircraft this year.
