Emirates A380s get new first class suites, but fewer of them
By David Flynn, November 12 2017
Emirates will upgrade its Airbus A380 first class suites to the all-new design adopted for its Boeing 777-300ER jets and revealed today at a worldwide media launch in Dubai, but in the process reduce the number of luxe private cribs from the superjumbo's upper deck.
Emirates CEO Tim Clark confirmed the suites would appear on the airline's superjumbos, although it's believed that only factory-fresh A380s will get the sophisticated new private cribs which Clark boasts were "inspired by Mercedes-Benz."
Clark said the airline is considering some retrofits to its current A380 fleet but described any such refit as being a "formidable task", adding that a superjumbo version of the suites is a "work in progress."
In keeping with the revamped design, those A380s will see their first class cabin trimmed from a current count of 14 suites in a 1-2-1 layout to just 11, with today's three pairs of middle suites dropped for single suites in a 1-1-1 footprint.
The suites will make a stylish companion to the refreshed business class bar at the rear of the A380's upper deck...
... as both share similar yet subtle high-end influences and a more timeless palette of soft greys, cream and champagne that's a world away from the extravagant first-gen suites (below) with their darker brown faux 'burled walnut' and brass trim.
Earlier this month Singapore Airlines launched its own new-look Airbus A380 first class suites, which will take wing on the Singapore-Sydney route from late December 2017 and be fitted across the airline's superjumbo fleet by 2020.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2017
Total posts 39
Wow! And Qantas believe their current A380 is competitive enough that the only change will be just a larger TV. First class Emirates and Singapore are examples of actual first class.
13 Jun 2017
Total posts 10
Some thoughts. These look fantastic. Especially the separate climate controls.
13 Jun 2017
Total posts 10
I meant shame Emirates going with a 2,3,2 config in 2017 for their Business product.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 May 2014
Total posts 49
It certainly looks great!
I hope to snag one across the Tasman although I understand from early next year it's only CHC that will get an EK A380 connecting via the east coast of Australia.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
11 Mar 2015
Total posts 191
looks nice but no comparison with SQ new first class-not to mention the other perks with SQ-like book your cook the krug and dom perignone and the better caviar to start with-light years behind the experts
04 Dec 2017
Total posts 69
Compare this to Qantas first class......laughable.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Does anyone know which routes the new EK First Suites are on?
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