Emirates fits showers to new Superjumbo

Emirates Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380 ‘superjumbo’ , fitted with a raft of new comfort facilities including the first onboard showers on a commercial airliner.

The aircraft was received at an official handover ceremony in Hamburg. Emirates has placed an order for 58 A380s in total. The Emirates A380s will be powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, enabling the carrier to save 500,000 litres of fuel per aircraft per year over any other engine alternative currently available.

Former Engine Alliance President Bruce Hughes, highlighting the environmental benefits the engines offered, said: “The A380 founding fathers anticipated the public clamour for quieter airports, fewer emissions, and less crowded skies. More than any airline in the world, Emirates shared this vision.”

This first aircraft will be deployed on the Dubai-New York route. Emirates is due to receive its first five A380s by April 2009, with the remaining 53 delivered by June 2013. It plans to start the aircraft running on its Heathrow to Dubai route on December 1 2008.

After the presentation the eagerly-awaited interior cabin design was revealed, comprising a 14-seat First Class, 76-seat Business Class and a 399-seat Economy Class.

A unique feature is the First Class Shower Spa, two fully equipped bathrooms in its First Class cabins, including shower facilities. Emirates also unveiled its Onboard Lounge for use by First and Business Class passengers, designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club. Another First Class social area and bar is located at the front of the upper deck.

The Economy Class cabin features straight walls to give the impression of increased spaciousness, plus an advanced mood lighting system and noticeably quieter cabin to help combat the effects of jetlag.