Manufactured by the Airbus Company, the Airbus A380 is the largest passenger aircraft in the world. The model is highly preferred because it is a double-decker, which means it can accommodate over 800 passengers (in single economy class accommodation), deeming it a cost-effective option for airline companies particularly on long-haul routes.
An aviation break-through, the eerie quietness on-board, most astoundingly during take-off and landing, has made these aircraft commercially sought-after. Because of their size, it allows for instalments not normally seen on passenger planes such as lounge bars, shower cubicles, casinos and gift shops!
As a result, most major airlines now operate a ‘superjumbo’ and so a whole other level of commercial air-travel, particularly in the premium offerings, was born.
Singapore Airlines
Occupying the top spot on many A-lists is Singapore Airlines, and for good reason. In a cutthroat industry where ambitious, motivated competition out of the Middle East is constantly pushing its contemporaries to reach for new inspired heights, Singapore has done just that.
Not only has this airline pioneered fully flat seats, it was also the first airline to commercially fly a superjumbo in October 2007. It then took out Best Business Class at the World Airline Awards the same year.
Singapore Airlines business class seat on A380
You can expect an office away from your office as you find all the conveniences for doing business provided for in a centralized, all-in-one panel that includes an in-seat power supply and USB ports. And with a portable USB drive, you can work without a laptop on office documents thanks to built-in business software found on every seat.
When work is done, the menu features food and wine pairings that make you feel like you are in a flying five-star restaurant, a perception confirmed as your meal arrives on fine china. Once you’ve finished your meal, kick back and watch a film on a 15.4 inch wide LCD screen…aah just another day at the office.
Emirates
The airline industry has seen a dramatic increase in competition at the business and luxury end of the market in the past decade, as airlines in the Middle East, hopped up on increased revenue from the ongoing oil boom, have pushed creature comforts in these sections to unprecedented levels.
Emirates is one of these surging companies, being the airline with the most A380s in the world. This bold and brusque upstart airline has moved to include amenities such as seats with massage inserts to complement its lie-flat capabilities, an entertainment system with a mind-boggling 1,400 TV channels, and a built in mini-bar (yes, a MINI-BAR … built into your seat).
But if that wasn’t enough, on the airline’s A380’s fully-staffed bar and lounge on the top tier of the plane allows you to socialize in style with fellow business types as you cruise along at 38,000 feet… don’t know how you’re supposed to get any work done, or even sleep. Maybe a shower will help which, of course, they also have only on-board the superjumbo!
Lufthansa
The Germans are well known throughout the world for their attention to detail, so it comes as no surprise that Lufthansa, the second European airline to receive the A380, frequently tops lists. Located on the upper deck of the jumbo aircraft, designer Priestmangoode has employed the corporate Lufthansa colour scheme of silver and blue with yellow detailing to distinguish the business class section.
Lufthansa business class seat on A380
Sport fans will never have to miss a crucial football match again due to business travel, as this airline’s commitment to carrying live streams on important sporting events is a cornerstone of their entertainment offerings.
While Lufthansa offers high quality food and drink much like the other airlines in this article, they have also structured their meal service on red-eyes in true German fashion: by gathering orders sans trolley, they are able to dramatically shorten meal service, allowing the lights to be turned down earlier than average, allowing you to arrive at your destination fresher than you would otherwise.
British Airways
Although somewhat late in joining the party, if you are person who craves privacy and space above all else, the business class section aboard British Airways A380 is right up your aisle (no pun intended). The front/backward orientation of seats in this echelon of air travel and translucent privacy screen grants the feeling of having a suite to yourself.
Those who facilitate their flight to catch up on films or box sets will appreciate the AVOD system on the A380, which is a revolution in itself from the AVOD on the 747. Along with substantial screen size, the razor-sharp image quality and entertainment selection is impressive.
British Airways business class seat on A380
The seat themselves on the A380 are a tweaked version of the airline’s 787, a slick and improved cosmetic upgrade. In particular, a more robust footstool forms an integral part of the fully-flat bed. If you happen to be book or be booked on a BA flight in future to LAX or Hong Kong or Singapore, take the extra care to ensure you get on the aircraft dubbed ‘the queen of the skies’ that is the A380.
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