Emirates plans luxurious new first class suites for its Airbus A380s, along with bathrooms and shower spa suites, in what airline CEO Sir Tim Clark describes as a "transformation of the cabin."
Clark has previously confirmed the suites will be the same as the Mercedes-Benz inspired cribs of its Boeing 777-300ERs, with the superjumbo's 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.
However, while the first aircraft in a massive US$16 billion order for 36 new superjumbos are due to arrive from 2020 the suites won't debut until 2021.
Speaking with FlightGlobal at this week's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Clark described the suite's installation as "quite difficult" and requiring extensive certification for the A380, which will result in a slight lag from when the first of the factory-fresh superjumbos join the Emirates fleet.
Clark is also undecided as to refits of the new suites to older A380s, describing the project – which could cost "US$30 million for aircraft, maybe more" - as a considerable challenge, "if we do it."
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.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
So if an aircraft originally scheduled for a flight has to be swapped out there could be downgrades if 14 seats are all allocated and there’s only 11 seats on the plane swapped in.
20 Sep 2012
Total posts 76
They're rarely full anyway - so not a major issue.
19 Jan 2018
Total posts 87
As an aside, by god, Sir Tim Clark is an absolute baller. The slickest man in aviation.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2015
Total posts 54
Worse that Qatar’s..Al Baker???
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Apr 2017
Total posts 132
chap, "baller" is usually a very positive connotation. So this would imply that he is better than Al Baker. Swag.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2015
Total posts 54
I took baller as “ball breaker”
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 276
Incredibly disappointing, Emirates will certainly be left behind in the First Class segment (I don't believe I've ever seen such a slow rollout from any other airline). However, frankly speaking - to the average First Class flyer, if they already like and use Emirates, they're going to continue to do so - regardless of this news or not.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2011
Total posts 359
Slow roll out? Have a look at anything Qantas does and then you will see what a slow roll out looks like.
Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus
17 Sep 2017
Total posts 17
Emirates’ current first class on the A380 is already industry-leading, and the justification for the slow rollout of their new first class is understandable.
05 Dec 2013
Total posts 36
I just wanted to clarify, does the comment 'which could cost "US$30 million for aircraft, maybe more"' mean US$30 million per aircraft?
03 May 2013
Total posts 679
Qantas and A J take note....this is first class...not your business plus you call 'first' product which fades woefully in comparison. Shouldnt be surprised when you thought your new business suites were a "mini first class" - clearly you have no idea.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
Q/AJ have had no idea for a very long time. Any airline that could treat customers so badly deserves to disappear. The EK/QF alliance lowers the tone for Emirates
07 Jan 2011
Total posts 53
We've deleted some comments in this thread as they were off topic. If you wish, you can start a thread in our forums.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Keeping on topic... I'm just home from a long global trip and was a mix of First/Business. Got to be honest and say the First product from Etihad stills wins me over from Emirates - by some margin. I find the EK DXB First Lounge to be less salubrious than EY First Lounge. In flight? same for the cabin crew, sorry to say. All this said, hard to complain up front. But, Emirates does want to continue to see itself as 'the one'.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 May 2018
Total posts 1
I have big respect of Sir Tim Clark!
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Emirates' new Airbus A380 first class suites due 2021