Emirates showcases upgraded A380 business class

Emirates is counting down to the end of the Airbus A380, but its final six superjumbos are going out with a flourish.

In addition to the debut of Emirates premium economy, they also sport a refreshed look for the business class seats and cabin – along with the onboard cocktail bar and the two first class shower suites.

"The Emirates A380 is already one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the skies, and now we’ve made it even better," boasts Emirates President Sir Tim Clark.

"True to our fly better promise, Emirates continues to invest to offer our customers the best possible experience."

Also read: Emirates sets the date for the world's last Airbus A380 delivery

As previously reported, that experience now extends to premium economy, with 56 'sleeperette' seats and two dedicated washrooms nestled in the nose of the A380's lower deck.

Emirates' Airbus A380 premium economy cabin.

With up to 40 inches of pitch, as well as being 18.5 inches wide in a 2-4-2 layout and pushing back to an 8 inch recline with a generous leg-rest, they should certainly help budget-minded travellers get from A to B with plenty of Zzz.

Read more: Emirates reveals new premium economy seats

Emirates' refreshed A380 business class, meanwhile, takes its design cues from the airlines' latest Boeing 777 jets.

The seat itself is the same – including direct aisle access, a fully flat bed and a personal mini-bar – but it's now dressed in softer champagne-coloured leather covers and wood finishing.

Emirates' new Airbus A380 business class.

That's a world of difference from Emirates's long-standing A380 business class, as seen below.

Emirates' original Airbus A380 business class.

Emirates says similar restyling has been applied to the cocktail bar and lounge at the rear of the upper deck, with a clean and airy champagne colour scheme, wood panelling and bronze accents.

Emirates' latest Airbus A380 cocktail bar.

It's worth noting that pre-COVID, Emirates was mapping out a more substantial revamp for what has become a signature of its A380 business class experience.

Speaking with Executive Traveller in December 2019, Emirates chief Clark said the third-generation lounge would "be a step change in what we're doing", with Emirates “enlarging the seating area again” and adding clusters of AC and USB power points around the tables.

Read more: Emirates plans all-new Airbus A380 inflight bar

Meanwhile, Emirates' final tranche of factory-fresh A380s see a revamp of the two first class shower suites with a softer colour and materials palette plus more modern fittings.

Each suite also includes a Ghaf tree motif: an indigenous evergreen plant, the Ghaf is a considered the national tree of the United Arab Emirates, with deep cultural and ecological significance.

Emirates' new Airbus A380 first class shower suite.

It's a pleasing contrast to the original A380 shower suites, which also featured the Dubai skyline on the wall.

Emirates' original Airbus A380 first class shower suite.

As for the 14 first class suites themselves, while Emirates hasn't rolled out the fully-private suites of its latest Boeing 777s, the airline says its superjumbo suites are now "slightly wider with taller doors, for even more privacy and comfort."

Also read: Inside the design of Emirates' latest first class private suites

David Flynn

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.