Emirates shows off the first retrofitted A380 superjumbo jet
A retrofitted Emirates A380 superjumbo jet has re-entered passenger service. It is the first of 120 Dubai-based airline planes to have completed an extensive interior refurbishment under a two-year multi-billion-dollar fleet makeover project.
The 3.1-year-old Emirates A380-800 aircraft, registered A6-EVM, returned to active passenger service on a flight between Dubai (DXB) and London (LHR) on January 6, 2023, according to the airline’s statement.
The refreshed A380 features 56 Premium Economy class seats on the main deck as well as new color palettes evident in the carpeting and wall panels.
“On the upper deck, First and Business Class seats sport Emirates’ latest cream-colored leather upholstery and lighter-toned wood finishing, similar to the airline’s ‘game changer’ product. Emirates’ signature ghaf tree motif also features prominently throughout the interiors, including hand-stenciled panels in the First Class Shower Spa,” Emirates wrote.
Now the air carrier is focused on the refurbishment of its other A380, registered A6-EUW. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2023.
First announced in early August 2022, Emirates’ two-year retrofit project represents a multi-billion-dollar airline’s investment dedicated to improving its inflight experience for passengers. The carrier’s goal is to fully renew the interior design of four of its planes every month.
“As the program progresses, engineers will work simultaneously on 2 aircraft. This means that one aircraft in the fleet will be withdrawn from service every eight days and transferred to Emirates Engineering facilities,” the airline explained.
By 2024, all 67 Emirates A380s assigned for refurbishment will have returned to service.
“Customers will notice the difference the moment they step onboard – the spacious A380 will look and feel even more impressive and comfortable. With our latest interiors and products, this newly refurbished aircraft elevates our inflight experience in all classes of travel and enables us to offer more Premium Economy seats to meet customer demand,” Emirates chief executive Tim Clark said.
Once the A380 fleet is refurbished, the air carrier plans to start working on its Boeing 777s.