By IANS,
Dubai : First-class passengers in Emirates airline’s new Airbus A380 superjumbos will be able to take a shower at 43,000 feet.
Introducing new levels of luxury in the aircraft, which will fly long distance routes, the airline said in a statement here: “The jewel in the aircraft’s crown is without a doubt the first class shower spa, two fully equipped bathrooms in its first class cabins, including shower facilities.”
The bathrooms have water temperature and time control, a vanity unit, a washbasin and a changing area.
Emirates took possession of the first of the 58 A380s it had ordered at a ceremony in Hamburg Monday.
The aircraft touched down at Dubai International Airport Tuesday evening.
It has three class configurations – a first class section with 14 suites, a 76-seat business class and a 399-seat economy class.
Emirates chief executive Tim Clarke told the Khaleej Times newspaper that the Dubai-based airline used its own in-house creative team to design the aircraft’s interiors but with the help of well-known interior designer Jack Pierre Jean.
“We did it ourselves. We briefed Jack Pierre Jean and a lot of that is his work in terms of the finishes and materials in the suites and showers,” he was quoted as saying.
Each of the 14 flat-bed first class cabins – set in 1-2-1 configuration – in the upper deck of the double-storey aircraft includes an electronically operated door, a mini bar, a work desk with reading lights and an illuminated vanity mirror.
The suite also features a 23-inch LCD screen linked to Emirates’ in-flight information, communication and entertainment (ICE) system.
Each of the 76 lie-flat-bed business class seats – set in 2-4-2 configuration – is housed in a shell and is equipped with a mini bar, a large personal desk, a separate footrest, a laptop stowage area and a 17-inch LCD screen linked to the ICE system.
The 366 seats in the economy class are set in 3-4-3 configuration and are pitched 32-33 inches apart reclining six inches. Each seat has a 10.6-inch LCD screen linked to the ICE system and an at-seat laptop power supply.
There is also an onboard lounge for use by first and business class passengers which has a fully-stocked bar and a 42-inch LCD screen showing the aircraft’s position and views from its externally positioned cameras.
“Passengers will also notice a difference in the economy class cabin, most notably the straight walls which give the impression of increased spaciousness,” the statement said.
“This feature, combined with the advanced mood lighting system and a noticeably quieter cabin, works to combat the effects of jetlag,” it added.
The inaugural A380 commercial flight will depart from Dubai International Airport at 11 a.m. Friday for New York. The flight is already fully booked.