Emirates hints at new A380 first class, business class

Emirates intends to keep its flagship A380s flying across the next decade, to as far as 2040, and all-new first class and business class suites could be key to keeping the superjumbo competitive.

The double-decker A380 is the plane which helped drive the growth of Emirates, carrying travellers to and from all corners of the world via its Dubai mega-hub.

But it’s still sporting effectively the same first and business class designs as when Emirates took delivery of the first A380 in July 2008.

While the suites, seats and cabins have been extensively refreshed, first and business class remain the same core product which debuted almost 20 years ago.

Meanwhile, other airlines have pulled ahead.

Emirates expects its A380s to be flying until the 2040s.

New Emirates A380 first class

That could soon change, with Emirates’ $2bn A380 refit program being a stop-gap to a more extensive transformation.

“Like a hotel you’ve got to keep at it, and we’ll change out the products,” airline president Sir Tim Clark revealed at a gathering of the International Air Transport Association in Delhi earlier this year.

“In fact, I’ve got another design of first class coming up, which is on the drawing board.”

Emirates’ current first class champion is the Boeing 777 “game-changer” suite, boasting floor-to-ceiling walls for complete privacy and an advanced “zero-gravity” seat, alongside a bevy of luxurious and high-tech touches.

The Emirates 'game-changer' 777 first class suite.

Clark already plans to install more of the high-privacy berths across the 777 fleet.

It’s likely the new Emirates A380 first class suites would draw on the game-changer template.

However, design options could see the current 1-2-1 suite layout at the nose of the upper deck swapped to three larger suites, or the current pair of suites in the middle of the cabin converted into an oversized suite for couples, as seen on Lufthansa’s Allegris first class.

New Emirates A380 business class

This revamp could also see the doored business class suites of the 777-9 make their way onto the superjumbo as it soars into the next decade.

Having scrapped its initial 777X business class at a cost of “about €20-30 million” due to ongoing delays for the next-gen jetliner, Emirates developed a clean-sheet design which is tipped to be a suite-style berth with high partitions and sliding privacy doors.

“The enclosed suite was our idea right back in the ‘90s when we put it on the A340-500 (in first class) and then others have taken the suite (and) introduced them into business class,” Clark recounted to Executive Traveller earlier this year.

“So you see (business class doors) coming in, and if you haven’t got them, then people are going to say to you, well, you really have to have them.”

“And the people, the business community, the premium cabin community love them.”

But even that updated design is being given another look, to ensure it’s competitive with the latest suites of rivals – and Boeing could be forced to pick up the tab for any changes.

“We’re having another look at it again,” Clark said.

“We are fixed on the product, have been for some time, in the belief that we were going to have it ready in October (2025) for flying. Clearly that’s not the case.”

“So if we have to stop everything and then introduce new designs of products, we will have to be able to do that, and that’s the price (Boeing) will have to pay for the issues that they’ve created for us, like seven-year delays.”

News agency Bloomberg has most recently reported that Boeing is now aiming at delivery of the 777-9 from early 2027. Lufthansa will receive the first 777-9, followed by Emirates.

Emirates’ latest A380 refit

As for the just-completed refurbishment, Emirates promises passengers “will notice the difference the moment they step onboard... the spacious A380 will look and feel even more impressive and comfortable.”

Emirates' refreshed A380 first class.

The first class and business class cabins have adopted a lighter colour palette, stepping gently away from the original gold and faux-walnut burl finishes towards the softer tones and cream-coloured leather upholstery of the second-gen cocktail bar and the latest 777 first class suites.

The 14 first class suites were finessed with slightly higher walls for added privacy and a wider seat for greater comfort, while high flyers tuck into those unlimited servings of Persian caviar paired with vintage Dom Perignon.

Emirates' refreshed A380 first class suites.

Both of the first class shower suites also saw a makeover which includes hand-stencilled panels of the UAE’s native ghaf tree; similar motifs feature elsewhere throughout the A380 cabins.

A sleek new look for Emirates A380 showers and cocktail bar.

The business class seats stretched along the upper deck were all dismantled and overhauled at the Emirates Engineering workshop, emerging with reupholstered quilted cream leather and lighter wood veneer as in first class.

Emirates' refreshed A380 business class.

At the rear of the upper deck, the original cocktail bars were ripped out and replaced by a modern showpiece flanked by an L-shaped sofa and a four-seat ‘club-style’ table.

There’s also improved soundproofing so passengers in the last few rows of business class aren’t too disturbed by moments of onboard merriment.

Old vs new: Emirates is also transforming its signature A380 bar.

Emirates boss Clark says the bar draws its inspiration “from private yacht cabins and (is) more intimate and conducive for our passengers to socialise or enjoy our lounge service.”

Emirates' elegant new-look A380 bar.

The spruced-up superjumbos also saw the addition of a 56-seat premium economy cabin at the front of the lower deck (in place of 88 economy seats).

Premium economy takes pride of place at the front of the Emirates A380.

Those plush recliners with their 40” seat pitch wrap around the staircase to the upper deck in a 2-4-2 layout, with dedicated washrooms for premium economy flyers.

Emirates' all-new A380 premium economy.

All carpet and flooring throughout the aircraft cabins was also replaced.

Unseen by passengers, but certain to be appreciated, will be an upgrade of the A380’s satellite-powered WiFi system to higher speeds, although the service will remain free for all travellers provided they sign in using their Emirates Skywards number.

All Skywards members enjoy free messaging, with full Internet access in business and first class as well as for Skywards Platinums regardless of where they’re sitting.

Also read: Surprising details for Emirates’ next-gen economy seat