First Look: Emirates Unveils First A380 With Refreshed Cabin

After 2 months of refurbishment, Emirates has debuted its first A380 with refreshed cabins and interiors.

The 3-year-old Airbus A380, A6-EVM, surprised passengers on the flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on Friday, January 6, 2023, and we’ve got the first look.

Let’s see what’s new on board …

Table of Contents

A380 Cabin Refresh Program
First Look
Final Thoughts

A380 Cabin Refresh Program

Emirates retrofit team a380 — Emirates Engineering team. Image Credit: Emirates

Last year, Emirates announced improvements to the onboard experience, including both the menu and cabin. The menu was rolled out in September 2022, and now aircraft are being delivered.

As part of a multi-billion dollar investment, 120 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft will receive reupholstered seats, new cabin walls, carpeting, and more.

“Thousands of parts will be removed, replaced, or receive a facelift. Even Emirates’ famous Shower Spa will feature new color tones with a hand-stenciled motif of a Ghaf tree,” according to Emirates.

The first A380 to be completed in this 2-year retrofit program has been delivered featuring the addition of a new premium economy class, an updated bar area, and a refreshed first class.

First Look

Passengers familiar with the Game Changer first class suites will instantly recognize the design of the refreshed A380.

Emirates A380 retrofit first class champagne olives — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Dark wood and gold have been swapped for lighter and softer tones … but gold is still quite present, don’t worry!

Emirates A380 retrofit first class gold seatbelt — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

The Shower Spa has also received the new color tone treatment, along with the hand-stenciled Ghaf tree.

Emirates A380 retrofit first class bathroom shower — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit first class bathroom mirror — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

The bar extends the styling and continues to be a great place to enjoy part of the flight.

Emirates A380 retrofit bar with drink — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit bar seating — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit bar — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Business class on the A380.

Emirates A380 retrofit business class seat — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

And the new Premium Economy has been installed as well.

Emirates A380 retrofit premium economy — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

First class in bed mode.

Emirates A380 retrofit first class seat bed — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

First class door.

Emirates A380 retrofit first class seat door — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

First class headrest details.

Emirates A380 retrofit first class headrest — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

The food and beverages options continue to be a highlight.

Emirates A380 retrofit first class caviar — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit first class dessert — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit first class dinner — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit first class food — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Emirates A380 retrofit snack menu sliders — Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

Hot Tip: Learn the best ways to book Emirates first class using points in our step-by-step guide, as well as what direct routes Emirates operates to and from the U.S.!

Final Thoughts

Emirates has long made a luxurious customer experience a priority, and these refurbishments ensure that passengers “fly better” for the coming years.

Flying the A380 is an incredible experience with 2 floors and an onboard shower, but the design was starting to show its age compared to the stunning Game Changer first class suites found on the 777.

Now, passengers flying the A380 will start to see the same leather, color, textures, and overall design carried over from the newer aircraft.

1 comment

S. Aix January 6, 2023

Lovely. And maybe I am missing something: other than gold hardware for seat buckles, it all looks very…tame. The refresh of the Premium Economy cabins seemed far more upmarket. And Emirates still lags behind QATAR (Q-Suites etc).

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First Look: Emirates Unveils First A380 With Refreshed Cabin & Interiors

A380 Cabin Refresh Program

First Look

Final Thoughts

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A380 Cabin Refresh Program

First Look

Final Thoughts

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