Airbus and Emirates presented the A380 at the ILA 2016. We took a look inside the world's largest passenger aircraft and got an idea of how comfortable it is to travel in all classes.
Emirates took delivery of its first Airbus A380 in July 2008. Today, on 2 June 2016, I am standing in front of the 79th Airbus superjumbo built for Emirates. Emirates will take delivery of almost the same number again in the coming years. There are currently 41 destinations in the flight schedule that are regularly served by A380s, in Germany these are Frankfurt (two out of three daily flights), Düsseldorf (twice daily) and Munich (three times daily).
The aircraft is mainly flown in a three-class configuration, but there are currently also four A380s in a two-class configuration. There is space for 615 passengers, 58 in Business Class and 557 in Economy Class. Copenhagen is one of the destinations served.
Concourse A at Dubai International Airport, an exclusive Airbus A380 terminal with 24 gate positions, opened in 2013 and is probably one of a kind. First and Business Class guests can board directly from the lounge. But now let's take a look inside the aircraft
Emirates Economy Class
Economy Class offers seat pitches of up to 83.8 cm and 15.2 cm recline plus an additional 2.5 cm due to the seat construction. The seat cushions are 45.7 cm wide. The seats are equipped with an adjustable headrest, a magazine pocket, coat hooks, a retractable table and a movable cup holder that always keeps the seat level.
Each seat is equipped with an LCD screen as well as a headphone socket, USB port and laptop socket. The seating configuration is 3-4-3 on the main deck and 2-4-2 on the upper deck (two-class configuration only). Emirates also offers an extensive entertainment programme for the youngest and smallest guests. There is even a separate amenity kit for infants.
The entertainment system ice
The Emirates A380 is equipped with the ice Digital Widescreen entertainment system in all classes. The personal in-seat screens are among the largest in the world in their respective class and are based on an on-demand audio and video entertainment system with over 2,500 channels. The large screens can display the current route as well as exterior camera images from underneath the aircraft. Free WLAN in all jets of the A380 fleet is also on board. It is also possible to send and receive text messages and emails. An individual satellite phone can also be used to make calls from seat to seat.
Emirates Business Class
The seat pitch in Business Class is up to 121.9 cm. The seats can be converted into flat beds up to two metres long. The seat cushions are 47 cm wide. Integrated into the seat is a tray with a built-in minibar, movable partitions (for centre seats), a large personal table, electronically controllable footrest and a shelf for a laptop as well as a magazine pocket. There is also a shoe rack, adjustable headrests and noise-reducing headphones. The wireless touchscreen remote control can be used to control the seat and the entertainment system. The seating arrangement is 1-2-1 and you can reach the aisle from any seat.
Emirates board lounge
First and Business Class passengers can relax at the rear of the upper deck in an exclusive on-board lounge with bar, which offers a variety of high-quality drinks as well as hot and cold snacks and canapés. The on-board lounge also has two sofas and a large LCD screen that broadcasts the aircraft's position and images from the exterior cameras.
Emirates First Class Suite
The suites are equipped with electronic doors, a minibar, reading lamps and a work desk including an illuminated vanity mirror. Other features include a fold-out table and a wardrobe. Each suite is 2.08 metres long and equipped with a seat that can be converted into a flat bed over two metres long. The seat cushions are around 55 cm wide.
The seats are equipped with electronically operated backrests and armrests as well as footrests and headrests. The footrest and seat shell can also be adjusted electronically so that any preset seat position ("Upright", "Dining", "Bed") or individual positions between upright and flat can be set. The seats also have a massage system with adjustable speed and intensity as well as an air-adjustable backrest.
Chris had the pleasure of flying First Class on the A380 from Bangkok to Hong Kong in 2011. Read on to find out how he liked it here.
Emirates A380 Spa Shower
There are two spa showers on board in the front section, consisting of a shower cubicle with integrated water temperature and time control as well as a cosmetics shelf. A large washbasin with full-length mirror, hairdryer and toilet are also included, as is a changing area.
High-quality cosmetic products from Voya make flying a unique experience. Floor heating and leather upholstery create a relaxed atmosphere.
