First Look of Emirates Airbus A380’s Brand Newly Upgraded Plane

Venkat Vellanki

Emirates Airline, unveiled the first look of its brand new plane. It is a fully-upgraded aircraft with much finer plane interiors. Seats have been totally refined in order to make the flight experience for travellers more comfortable throughout their journey. This is a significant update and is remarked as the most prestigious and flagship sector of the airline. 

 

Premium Economy Class

 

This particular aircraft was delivered to the airline around new year from Airbus’ Hamburg facility. The aircraft registration is A6-EVN. The most integral part of this refurbishment of the aircraft is the newly added Premium Economy section. It is the first for any airline from the Middle East. It features 56 seats in a 2-4-2 seat configuration in the aircraft. This seat layout is the most common for the Premium Economy section among all airlines. 

 

Key Elements:

  • Pitch: up to 40 inches
  • Width: 19.5 inches
  • Recline: 8 inches
  • Seats: 56 seats
  • Location: Forward of Economy Class on the lower deck of A380

 

The Premium Economy class seats have been newly installed due to high market demand. 

 

Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, says that, “There is a lot of demand from our existing customers who want to experience something more than the current standard economy. And this premium economy will give them that opportunity to enjoy something more luxurious, and a very nice comfortable seat. It’s got a nice eight inch recline. It’s got a wonderful leg rest area. So, it’s very comfortable especially when it comes to a long haul flight.”

 

He stated there are five more aircraft in order and they will be delivered with the new Premium Economy cabins throughout 2021 and going into 2022. Gradually, another 55% of the fleet will also be retro-fitted with the new Premium Economy product as well. Emirates have already begun flying the new A380 with the Premium Economy section since January 4th, 2021. It is currently assigned on flying to the route between Dubai (DXB) and London Heathrow (LHR). The flight numbers/codes are EK003/EK004. 

 

Complimentary Upgrades

 

Emirates have declared that they will not sell these seats [as Premium Economy] until they arrive at a minimum amount of the flight. So, until further notice it is just complimentary upgrades for Elite Skywards individuals and certain Economy Class toll paying travelers (likely travelers with full charge Y tickets).

 

For the present there are no further details on the Premium Economy soft product being accessible, just insights about the seat itself. Emirates have stated that they will not sell these seats [as Premium Economy] until they reach a critical mass of aircraft across the network. 

 

Upgraded Cabin

 

For the remainder of the A380 aircraft, Emirates has rolled out some little refinements; notwithstanding, they have selected not to update the layout or the design format. Cabin detail and finishes have likewise been invigorated; these advancements range from new themes and shadings such as the motifs and color panels. For the sweeping stairs that lead from the primary deck to the upper deck, to revived design trims and modern fittings in the Shower Spa.

 

Business Class

 

Emirates have retained their flagship A380 Business Class seats; which offer direct aisle access for every passenger, recline back to a fully flat level position and highlights a personal mini-bar among different features. Each of the 76 seats have been revived to present champagne-colored leather covers and wood’s finishing, inspired by executive private jets. It is quite similar to the Business Class on Emirates’ Boeing 777 “Gamechanger” aircraft. 

 

Overall, the new cabin decor of the new A380 is fully impressive. The executive jet-inspired seat fabric develops a modern and sophisticated look throughout the entire Business class cabin. The magnificent design layout and color themes are breathtaking throughout the journey that one experiences; they are inspired by the Middle-Eastern culture, traditions, and region