Emirates Airline has finally taken delivery of its long-awaited Airbus
A380-800 and is pinning its hopes on the super-jumbo delivering major fuel
savings.
Despite a delay of almost two years, the Dubai-based carrier was finally
handed the keys to its 489-seat aircraft at a ceremony in Hamburg this week.
Although the launch of the A380 initially prompted wild speculation that the
aircraft would feature shopping malls and cinemas, Emirates has come up with
a genuine wheeze – showers.
You have to have deep pockets of course – the shower spa room is only for the
lucky 14 passengers who will occupy the First Class suites, but the favoured
few will be allowed to spend 25 minutes in the spa itself – beauty
treatments available – and five minutes in the shower which is regulated by
a five-minute timer that glows green, amber and red as the allowance runs
down.
Other bells and whistles include a waterfall feature at the top of the First
Class stairs (there are staircases aft and forward of the aircraft),
lighting set to mimic sunrise and sunset and birdsong sound in the morning.
But with oil at a crippling $140 a barrel, Emirates has not bought 58 of
these mammoths (the largest order so far) simply to cosset its premium
customers – this aircraft will have to earn its keep.
“Emirates will have the lowest fuel economy of any aircraft in the world,”
said chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum in
Hamburg. “We will use just three litres of fuel per passenger per 100km
(60miles) – the A380 unites sensible business with social responsibility.”
That sits rather oddly with loading up to an extra tonne of water onto the
already hefty A380, but it soon becomes clear that putting the aircraft on a
diet is a key priority. All carpets, curtains and even economy footrests
will be evaluated as the fleet beds in for weight saving, while in-flight
shopping will now be possible through the entertainment system rather than
through heavy on-board magazines.
And with Emirates looking at ultra long-haul such as the 15 hours plus from
Dubai to San Francisco with the A380, it is seeking weight savings of up to
five tonnes.
What’s it like?
Boarding from the ground – most passengers will use upper and lower airbridges
– the A380 is monstrously large – “like driving a juggernaut compared to a
mini” – as one of the pilots mused. But Emirates has gone to great lengths
to divide its cabins so as not to overwhelm its passengers.
The all-economy lower deck seats a staggering 399 people – perhaps 400 would
have sounded a little too packed – and is split into four cabins in a 3x4x3
configuration. Emirates says it could have gone 11-abreast but decided
against it.
The 32” seat pitch is comfortable enough and the recline satisfactory rather
than revolutionary – this is a value class after all and Emirates is not
imposing a price premium for its new baby – while everyone has access to an
extraordinary 1,100 channels on the carrier’s ICE entertainment system.
Business Class is configured 2x2x2 with 76 seats and each one has its own
minibar – non-alcoholic drinks only – and a 15” TV screen which can also be
controlled from an elbow-side monitor. The seat folds down to fully-flat –
you’re not in the game with the big boys unless it’s 180 degrees these days
– has a massage facility and a divider if privacy is required.
All Business and First Class passengers, who sit regally on the top deck, have
access to Emirates’ mightily-impressive lounge and bar. It’s larger than
Virgin Atlantic’s bar and gives a feeling akin to that of a private jet – an
oft repeated mantra by Emirates.
And those privileged enough to enjoy the sumptuous luxury of the First Class
‘Suites’, complete with their electric sliding doors and individual
wardrobes, will have that private jet idea even more firmly embedded. Pop up
mirrors, an even-larger minibar and top-quality a la carte dining, as well
as a vast 23” TV screen make this a haven of glorious indulgence.
And the verdict? Well, with only Singapore Airlines replete with its
double-bed possibility in First Class to compare, the jury is still very
much out on the whole A380 question. It’s debatable whether Emirates economy
passengers will notice much change although in fairness the airline has gone
to great lengths to make the cheaper seats and cabins as pleasant as
possible.
Business and First customers will love the lounge and bar – bright, spacious
and able to accommodate a fair crowd, it’s a real innovation. And the
showers? Gimmick or essential business tool? Whatever the outcome, Emirates
has got the whole industry talking about them even as it attempts to put the
new A380 on its enormous diet.
