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

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Chris Hassan
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First Look: Emirates Unveils First A380 With Refreshed Cabin & Interiors
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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 …

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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 champagne olives
Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points

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 fruit and cocktail ife

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.!

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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.

Featured Image Credit: Lays Laraya for Upgraded Points
Chris Hassan's image

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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