I toured Emirates' luxurious Airbus A380 first class suite and was thoroughly impressed with the unique perks, including a bar and shower
- Emirates is the world's largest operator of the mammoth Airbus A380 double-decker jet.
- The company is investing billions to upgrade its loyal workhorse, including its first class suite.
Emirates is the largest operator of the world's biggest commercial airliner — the Airbus A380.
With 123 received since its first A380 flight in 2008, the airline has built its network around the double-decker jet, ferrying hundreds of people to and from its Dubai hub.
While many other airlines — like Air France and Thai Airways — ditched the A380 during the pandemic due to high costs, the jet's immense size actually works for Emirates' strong hub-and-spoke network.
And, the carrier has no plans of parting ways with its legendary workhorse. In fact, the company is investing billions into a refurbishment program to upgrade 67 of its 119 superjumbos currently flying.
This includes fitting the cabin with the airline's first-ever premium economy class, as well as adding "fully refreshed" features, like a wood-like finishing along the fuselage wall and a lighter color scheme in first and business class.
Insider recently toured Emirates A380 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to see its new cabin and was particularly impressed with first class.
Take a look at the luxurious cabin.
Emirates' first class suite is a fan-favorite among travelers.
Configured in a 1x2x1 layout on the second level of the A380, customers will find myriad amenities at each seat — the most impressive being the full privacy door.
Travelers can cocoon themselves inside the suite using buttons on the seat, creating somewhat of a small hotel room.
On the tour, I noticed the doors sit pretty high above the seat, making it hard for crew members or other passengers to peer in.
For those sitting the middle pair of loungers, a divider can be used to block out a neighbor — but can be lowered for friends or family traveling together.
In addition to privacy, Emirates' first class suite is also an entertainment haven. Inside, passengers will find a large flat screen TV…
…which can be controlled via a convenient handheld tablet stored next to the seat.
The suite also features a large dining table…
…a fully stocked mini bar, which can be opened or closed using a button…
…plenty of storage around the seat…
...a personal closet...
...a plush lounger complete with an adjustable headrest, surround-sound audio, and a reading light...
…plush linens, including a pillow and comforter…
…and a lie-flat bed for sleeping.
Another table sits below the television, complete with a mirror, toiletries, and a lamp…
…as well as a drawer with a notepad and a pen. Noise-canceling headphones are also available to travelers.
While the suite itself is beyond comfortable, flyers can also access a few other perks around the jet, including a bar and lounge in the aft section...
…and a shower spa at the front of the plane.
First class has access to two large bathrooms, both of which have a shower, toilet, and small vanity.
After touring Emirates' A380 first class suite, I was very impressed with the product — especially the nice touch-ups to the color scheme and patterns.
Granted, it's not as over-the-top as Singapore's A380 first class cabin — which can combine into a two-person room with a double bed and a separate lounger.
But, it'd be an easy way to kill 16 hours nonstop to Dubai.
Though, it doesn't come cheap. Deep-pocket travelers will need to pay upwards of $22,000 for a roundtrip flight between New York and Dubai, based on current pricing on Emirates' website.
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