The first of Emirates’ 58 Airbus A380s landed smoothly at Dubai international airport yesterday, ushering in a new era of aviation.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, was on board the new generation double-decker plane. He led a delegation of senior Emirates executives that flew in from Hamburg on the aircraft.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “The arrival of our first A380 in Dubai is hugely significant for the city, Emirates and the Middle East aviation market. This new generation aircraft takes the aviation industry to another level and will provide passengers with an unrivalled flying experience. Emirates is proud to be the A380 launch customer in the Middle East, the base for one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets.“Emirates’ first A380 commercial service is scheduled for 1 August and will operate between Dubai and New York, USA. Currently Emirates has 50 Airbus aircraft in its fleet.

“Emirates was quick to recognise the potential of Airbus’ all new A380 design, with its large double-deck capacity and excellent operating economics. It will be one of the pillars of Emirates’ future,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum. “With its very low fuel burn and quietness, the A380 also sets new standards in environmental performance. It will definitely help air transportation and Emirates grow, while reducing the impact on the environment.”

Emirates’ first A380 features 489 seats with 14 in first class suites, 76 in business and 399 in economy. The airline has also ordered two other versions of the A380 including three-class, 517-seat medium range and 604-seat, two-class medium range.
First Class Passengers on Emirates A380 will be able to freshen themselves up with a Shower on board.

“Fulfilling the A380 dream has required vision, innovation, a lot of courage and determination. Emirates shared in this vision early on and today the result is the world’s most modern, innovative and eco-efficient aircraft ever built. The A380 is changing the way people travel. Airbus is proud of all the engineers, staff and customers such as Emirates who have made the A380 a magnificent reality,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

Emirates is the largest customer for the A380 with 58 aircraft on order. Four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines delivering up to 72,000 lbs of thrust each will power the aircraft, with a resultant overall fuel efficiency of only three litres of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometres.

To date, total orders and commitments for the A380 stand at 202 aircraft from 17 customers. Singapore Airlines and, from 1 August 2008, Emirates, are currently the only two airlines in the world offering commercial Airbus A380 flights.

Prior to its launch, concepts for the Airbus A380 were lavish to say the least. In reality though none of the futuristic ideas made their way onto the planes flying today. That is, until now. Singapore Airlines redefined First Class with its impressive Suites, and now Emirates has gone one further and added a shower to the aircraft! First Class passengers on board Emirates’ A380 will be able to make use of the Shower Spa to ensure they arrive even more refreshed than would otherwise be possible.
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