Emirates starts two-class A380 flights

The two-class A380 will have more economy seats, allowing the Dubai airline to boost capacity

6 December 2015

Emirates’ first two-class A380 enters commercial service from today on routes to Copenhagen and Bangkok as the economy-packed planes target high-volume routes.

Passengers gazing out from Concourse A at Dubai International won’t be able to tell much difference but inwardly the design of these new A380s is significantly different, with the 58-seat business class – 18 seats less than the three-class double-deckers – located at the back of the upper deck. The rear was chosen to keep the bar and retain the premium aura, although the shower has gone.

Premium passengers will feel at home with the minibar, detachable IFE ‘walnut’ unit and separate black handheld and connectivity is strong with separate shoulder-high USB/HDMI ports, and two three-pin plugs. Seats have a pitch of 43/44 inches. The lounge has a larger screen opposite the bar which should be good for watching live sports or breaking news.

Walking through, the firm emphasis is on economy, with a whopping 557 seats across both decks, even if the design breaks provide clearly defined sections. As in the three-class, stairs lead up and down at both ends of the plane.

Economy on the 120-seat upper deck (configured 2-4-2) looks preferable to the 437-seat main deck (3-4-3) although the pitch is adequate in both areas. The new economy screens look sharper than many you’ll find on B777s and are larger too (13.3 inches compared with 10 inches previously).

While premium passengers may miss the shower, it’s good news for economy passengers as the space vacated has created one of the largest toilets in the sky.

Currently there are two such A380 aircraft in operation.