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• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

The iconic A380 has flown over 800,000 flights carrying more than 300 million passengers since its entry into service.   As production comes to a close, the A380 will keep flying for decades to come, and Airbus is continuing to fully support A380 operators and their fleets.

A380 forever, flying for decades to come.

Boarding an A380 is a unique experience that introduces passengers to superior standards of in-flight comfort, from first class to economy. As the world’s largest and most spacious passenger aircraft, its cabin allows travellers to stretch out in a calm and relaxing environment. With the freedom it gives passengers to move about the aircraft, it’s no surprise that the A380 is a favourite in all cabin classes.   It has two full-length decks with widebody dimensions. With more seats than any other aircraft, the A380 offers a solution for traffic growth and airport congestion as we emerge from the pandemic.

Pioneering innovation for future Airbus aircraft

Combining the most advanced aviation technology and an inspired cabin design, Airbus is proud to have created an aircraft celebrated for its outstanding quality in every aspect. Leading the industry in standards for innovation, experience and efficiency, it is appreciated by passengers, pilots and crew alike.

The A380 has set a new standard for the global aviation industry. Not only did it usher in a new era for passenger comfort, the A380 also raised the bar for environmental standards with its low fuel consumption per passenger and low noise levels – as well as reduced CO2 and NOx emissions, which has been passed on to future aircraft generations. 

#1 New technologies

The A380’s cockpit, which shares similar  ergonomics to  the flight deck designs of Airbus other fly-by-wire aircraft families, offers advanced technological features including large interactive displays, an advanced flight management system and improved navigation.

As an example, the On-board Airport Navigation System (OANS), developed in association with Thales for the A380, is now deployed on other Airbus types (A320neo, A330neo and A350). OANS offers pilots an overview map of the airport apron and taxiways, as well as showing the aircraft’s position on that map. The OANS helps to reduce errors in surface navigation and prevent runway incursions.

The A380 also is a first for the 2H/2E systems architecture, where the traditional three hydraulic circuits are replaced by two hydraulic and two electric systems, so as to reduce weight, improve system redundancy and safety. 

A key A380 innovation is the use of an electronic library to largely replace the traditional paper documentation used by pilots. This library allows flight and maintenance crews to easily locate relevant operational information in the various flight manuals, lists and logbooks, while enabling an optimisation of performance and weight-and-balance computations. This is incorporated into the new generation of aircraft.

Airbus introduced its innovative Brake-to-Vacate technology on the A380, allowing flight crews to more effectively manage approach and landing by pre-selecting the optimum runway exit. This can reduce runway occupancy time by up to 30% – significantly increasing the number of aircraft that can be handled by the world’s airports. This technology has also been incorporated on A350 aircraft

#2 Modern flight deck

The A380's main instrument panel incorporates eight identical and interchangeable liquid crystal display units, providing a primary flight display, navigation display, two multi-function displays with cursor control provided through a trackball, an engine warning display and a systems display. The larger display size provides increased perspective for pilots and allows for enhanced presentation modes  such as the vertical situation awareness function that presents a “vertical cut” of the aircraft trajectory incorporating flight path, terrain and weather information.

#3 Advanced materials

The latest advances in structures and materials include the use of advanced aluminium alloys for the wing and fuselage, along with the extensive application of composite materials in the centre wing box’s primary structure, wing ribs, and rear fuselage section.

The A380 also incorporates Glare™ material in the pressurised fuselage’s upper and lateral shells. Glare™ is a laminate incorporating alternating layers of aluminium alloy and glass fibre reinforced adhesive, with its properties optimised by adjusting the number of plies and orientation of the glass tapes. This offers a significant reduction in weight and provides advanced fatigue and damage resistance characteristics.

#4 Efficiency and reliability

Two high-bypass ratio engine options (the Engine Alliance GP7200 and Rolls-Royce’s Trent 900) are combined with an advanced wing and landing gear design, making the A380 significantly quieter than other large airliners – enabling this very large aircraft to meet strict local regulations at airports around the world.

With a new wing design and composite materials accounting for 25% of its structural weight, the A380 is  an all-around efficient aircraft.

The A380’s reliability and maintainability are further increased with modern technology, including an enhanced onboard central maintenance system and variable frequency generators – which simplify the electrical generation network. Moreover, the A380’s 5,000psi hydraulic system results in smaller diameter pipes, as well as minimising the quantity of hydraulic fluid on board. 5,000psi is also now used in the A350.

Technology highlights

Sidestick control:  The A380 may be the largest airliner ever built, but a pilot who has flown an aircraft of the A320, A330/A340 or A350 Families will feel right at home in its cockpit. For example, the A380's sidestick control – introduced with full fly-by-wire by Airbus on the A320  is the same distance from the throttle as on other Airbus passenger aircraft.

Braking:  The Brake-to-Vacate system helps ease airport congestion and reduce the amount of time an aircraft remains on the runway. Enabling pilots to select a runway exit while the aircraft is making its landing approach, Brake-to-Vacate uses the auto-flight, flight controls, and auto-brake systems to regulate deceleration after touchdown. This allows the aircraft to reach a specified exit at the correct speed under optimum conditions. The system is an additional safety measure that helps to avoid runway excursions.

Aircraft commonality

The A380 leverages Airbus’ expertise in aircraft design, sharing a large degree of commonality in systems, flight deck, procedures, and maintainability with the fly-by-wire A320, A330/A340 and A350 families. 

Pilots do not need extensive training to transfer from one aircraft type to another, increasing their productivity and reducing the training costs associated with the Airbus fly-by-wire families’ Cross Crew Qualification and Mixed Fleet Flying concepts.

Airbus commonality extends from the flight deck into the passenger cabin as well, with a maximum use of similar systems, control panels and procedures across the aircraft families. As a result, cabin personnel benefit from familiarity of aspects on different Airbus aircraft, while aircraft maintenance is streamlined by the high interchangeability of systems and parts.

Air traffic capacity

The A380 – which typically seats more than 500 travellers – provides immediate congestion relief for some of the world’s busiest airports by offering greater passenger capacity. 

The A380 is reputed for low noise emissions. In many cases, the A380’s larger wing area enables it to land significantly slower, which generates half the noise of earlier-generation large aircraft.

A380 Airspace

Ground operations.

The A380 is highly compatible with existing airport infrastructure, allowing for smooth airline operations and services for passengers. It is designed to reduce time at the gate during critical stages for airlines: boarding and deboarding passengers and resupplying the galleys for the next flight.

The A380 shares many key characteristics with smaller widebody aircraft, which means carriers can perform scheduled operations from Code E airport gates with minimal changes to infrastructure and ground handling equipment. 

Its superior cabin architecture allows airlines to quickly board and disembark passengers – even without direct upper deck boarding access, and to optimize catering time, which is performed at the upper and main deck simultaneously for shorter turnarounds. Ground servicing equipment has been in service since the aircraft began commercial flights, and is compatible with other widebody aircraft. 

Upper deck boarding provides an additional possibility to offer passengers customised services. Some airlines have created a seamless transition from the ground to the aircraft, with dedicated lounges for premium travellers that enable direct boarding to the A380’s upper deck.

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• Commercial Aircraft

Simple Flying

The giant with premium economy: inside emirates' airbus a380.

The Emirates Airbus A380 is always a highlight at the Dubai Airshow, and this year, the aircraft had something a little different to offer. Emirates brought along one of its newest A380s, A6-EVQ, featuring the new premium economy cabin launched just under a year ago. Naturally, Simple Flying jumped at the chance to have a look around the aircraft.

As mentioned, A6-EVQ is one of the younger Airbus A380s in Emirates' colossal fleet of the giant. Since its delivery flight on October 7th, the jet has already flown to Paris, London, Vienna, and Frankfurt. On November 11th, the plane completed an hour-long flight down to the Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC).

Entering in economy

Boarding the aircraft took place from the exit row behind the wing, the fourth exit on the main deck of the plane. There, 'passengers' were greeted by a pair of Emirates flight attendants, along with ten abreast seating in a 3-4-3 configuration. Onboard the newer four-class cabin jets, there are 338 economy seats.

When Emirates revealed its new premium economy cabin, the airline also revealed that the whole cabin of the aircraft would be getting a makeover, not just the new fourth cabin. The economy seats onboard, typically accessed by a jet bridge to the second entrance, are spruced up. They are based on the seats installed in the airlines' 'gamechanger' Boeing 777 aircraft but have been upgraded to include full leather headrests, a wood effect tray table, and a 13.3-inch IFE screen.

Up the stairs to the bar

Passengers will seldom be able to use the rear spiral staircase on Emirates' Airbus A380s, as only business and first class passengers are eligible to use the bar. This is why it feels so special using it, even if the aircraft is on the ground.

Climbing the staircase takes you to a corridor past a crew rest area. Past this, passengers arrive in the onboard bar. On the new four-class aircraft, the bar has been spruced up to feature champagne-colored seating. On the right of the plane is a coffee table that will seat four. Meanwhile, on the left is a booth that will also sit four at a slightly higher table. Each day, the bar and other aircraft areas are decorated with freshly picked flowers such as orchids.

A range of refreshments can be whipped up at the bar, ranging from spirits to long drinks and cocktails. Of course, non-alcoholic beverages are also on offer. Emirates will soon be auctioning off the bar taken from its first Airbus A380 .

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A refreshed business class cabin

Ahead of the bar is the business class cabin. Onboard this particular aircraft, it consists of 76 seats. The seats retain the champagne upholstery of the onboard bar, carrying these forwards. Tied with wood finishings, the cabin is intended to reflect the look and feel of a private jet.

The seats are staggered in a 1-2-1 layout, meaning that every passenger has direct aisle access. This means one window seat will be right by the window, while the one in front will have a table between the seat and the window but no divider from the aisle. The same is the case in the middle seats. The rows alternate between the middle seats being together and separated by tables.

Each seat can change into a lie-flat bed and offers a personal mini-bar, perfect for when you're thirsty but don't fancy walking to the bar or waiting for a drink to be brought over by a flight attendant.

First - where the magic happens

The first class cabin is really where the party is at onboard the Emirates Airbus A380. 14 first class suites are spread in a 1-2-1 pattern. There is no overlap between the suites, unlike business class, where somebody else's feet are in a box near your head.

The seats have a vast high-definition display, a hidden motorized bar, a cosmetic tray with hidden mirrors, and much more. Each of the suites has a fully closing door to ensure the comfort of the passengers inside, along with motorized window blinds. Passengers can use a tablet to control the inflight entertainment system, and of course, the seating positions are also controlled by buttons.

The highlight of the Emirates first class cabin is hidden behind a couple of doors at the very front of the cabin. The aircraft's enormous washrooms are more akin to a private bathroom in the skies. Not only is there ample space to move around and change, but the restrooms also include a luxury sink area. We still haven't mentioned the best bit, though.

You'll need the space to get changed before you step into the shower at the rear of the room. A relative oddity in an aircraft, the showers are set on a timer. Unfortunately, tall people may have to crouch down slightly to shower effectively. Given the taper of the fuselage at the front of the jet, there wasn't really enough room to stand up straight as a 6ft 3in individual.

What about premium economy

Emirates saved the newest cabin for last when showing off its latest Airbus A380 cabin configuration. Step down the main staircase at the front of the jet, and you'll find yourself at the front of the brand new premium economy cabin, which took to the skies less than a year ago.

The cabin consists of 56 seats, with a slightly less dense arrangement than the main economy cabin. Two seats have been removed from each row to give an eight abreast layout of 2-4-2. The seats are 19.5 inches wide and have a pitch of 40 inches.

The seats are made from stain-proof cream leather and also have the wood panel finish found in the business class cabin. A six-way adjustable headrest accompanies calf and footrests.

Last week Simple Flying revealed that Emirates will begin marketing the new premium economy cabin in June 2022 . The airline is set to roll out the new cabin on a vast number of aircraft over the coming years .

Want to read what it's like to travel in the premium economy cabin? Please keep a lookout for our written flight review coming later this week.

What is your favorite cabin onboard the Emirates four-class Airbus A380? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

• The new Emirates A380

Our new A380 has arrived with refreshed interiors, the latest luxury seats and the new Premium Economy cabin.

A flight that’s out of this world

The first of our brand new A380 aircraft has arrived with a refreshed interior and the latest generation of luxury seats. Step into a light and spacious cabin of cream tones and textured bronze waves, with the motif of the UAE national tree throughout. Our latest A380 also features our new Premium Economy cabin, giving you the choice to fly in another level of luxury. You can still enjoy the same amazing A380 experiences with our latest Onboard Lounge design and Shower Spa with a fresh interior.

Our First Class Shower Spa has a fresh trim and polished woodgrain finish to match the upgraded interior of our A380 aircraft. Check in to the spa during your flight and pamper yourself with a set of luxury organic seaweed products made exclusively for us by VOYA.

Onboard Lounge

Our new A380 features the latest, sleek Onboard Lounge design with relaxing ambient lighting and bronze and woodgrain accents. Enjoy drinks and light bites while you share stories around the table, stand at the bar, or relax on the sofa.

First Class

The ambient glow of the cabin interior lights your way to your Private Suite. With the doors closed you can settle back in peace and privacy surrounded by soothing cream and bronze tones. We’ve upgraded your comfort to the same spacious cream leather seats of our Boeing 777 Game Changer aircraft. Set your seat to zero-gravity mode to find your body’s natural resting position. You’re surrounded by all the original comforts you love, like our pop-up mini-bar, climate and mood lighting controls, and exclusive skincare and fragrances.

Business Class

Settle into your flight in the superior comfort of our champagne leather seats with detailed stitching and soft cushioned headrests. We’ve finessed the surrounding design of our A380 Business Class seats with polished woodgrain details, and the original mini-bar is tucked into the side for some mid-flight refreshments. Watch your favorite entertainment on your 20-inch HD TV, or drift to sleep in lie-flat comfort on a soft mattress under the ambient glow of the overhead lighting.

Premium Economy

The new Premium Economy cabin has arrived on the latest A380. Sink into wider, cream leather seats, stretch out on raised leg rests and relax into a greater recline. There’s more space to work or dine on a large polished woodgrain table, with an extra side table for your drinks. And enjoy thousands of entertainment channels on your 13.3-inch HD TV.

Economy Class

It’s the extra comforts that raise your experience when you fly in Emirates Economy Class. Our wider, more comfortable seats have adjustable leather headrests, generous legroom and upgraded dining tables in a woodgrain finish. The ocean blue interior, sweeping high ceilings and surrounding white and champagne tones brings light and space into the cabin. Immerse yourself in entertainment on your 13.3-inch HD TV and recline under the glow of the ambient mood lighting.

Entertainment and Wi-Fi

Sit back to award-winning entertainment on your personal HD TV in every travel class. Our latest system now features wireless Bluetooth* connectivity, so you can easily pair your own headphones if you prefer. And you can connect to our higher speed onboard Wi-Fi.

Related Pages

Products and services may vary on actual flights depending on routes and aircraft configuration. Operational requirements may also cause last-minute changes to the aircraft used on scheduled flights.

• The Emirates Experience