Emirates has launched double-decker Airbus A380 flights between London Heathrow and Dubai. The A380 deployed on the Dubai - London Heathrow route is the third of 58 that Emirates ordered.Despite its colossal size, the Emirates A380 makes less than half the noise of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet and uses 20% less fuel.

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said, “Our major onboard innovations, the Onboard Shower Spas and Onboard Lounge, have already proved a big hit with customers. Around 75% of our First Class passengers are using the showers in-flight, while the Onboard Lounge has proved a popular gathering spot for passengers who are able to tear themselves away from our revolutionary in-flight entertainment system. Due to its environmentally-friendly performance, the Emirates A380s will make a huge contribution to Heathrow’s efforts to reduce its overall emissions.”

Emirates will operate an A380 configured with 489 seats on its Heathrow to Dubai service, a capacity increase of 40% over its Boeing 777 currently being used.

Spread over two levels, the whole of the upper deck is dedicated to Premium Class passengers. Towards the front, First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped Private Suites. These incorporate remote-controlled doors, a work desk, an electrically controlled mini-bar and an advanced in-flight entertainment system - ice, which is available to all onboard.

The aircraft boasts two Onboard Shower Spas - in the First Class cabin, which include heated flooring, leather seating and shower kits from Emirates’ premium spa brand, Timeless Spa.

Business Class passengers can enjoy a new generation of intelligent seating, designed to ensure all 76 seats have aisle access. There’s a cleverly designed table that never gets in the way, and a seat that slickly becomes a fully-flat bed.

First and Business Class passengers can also take advantage of the Onboard Lounge, located at the rear of the upper deck. The lounge is designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club, and offers seating, and a bar with a wide range of beverages and canapés. Another First Class social area with drinks facilities is located at the front of the upper deck.

Passengers in the 399 Economy Class seats will notice the straight, rather than conventionally concave walls, throughout the cabin, giving the impression of increased spaciousness, enhanced by the more generous seats and wider aisles.

A different Emirates A380 will serve Sydney and Auckland in February 2009.
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