THE ULTIMATE LUXURY AIR TRAVEL

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Time was when travelling by air was considered to be a novel experience which only a privileged few could afford. Aircraft in those days used to be functional with only basic needs of the passengers being met on-board.

Fast forward to the 90s and you saw a completely different picture. Air travel had become affordable for a large number of people from all walks of life. And due to intense competition, airlines were falling over themselves to woo passengers by providing travellers more comforts, luxuries and entertainment.

Now Emirates has set new standards for the aviation industry by acquiring the A380 and pampering its passengers the way they have never been mollycoddled before.

This is a gargantuan aircraft and every inch of its space has been carefully designed to give passengers the best experience in the sky.

"Tim Clark, President of Emirates airline, was involved in the design of the interior of the Airbus A380 right from the time Emirates placed its first orders. He and a small team worked closely with the interior experts of the Airbus and with a variety of suppliers on all the on-board elements from the shower spas in first class to the design and layout of seats in the economy cabin," Terry Daly, Divisional Senior Vice-President, Service Delivery, told Emirates Business.

The A380 has more space than any other aircraft in the world with a cabin length of 50.68 metres, width of 6.58 metres and a twin-deck and double aisles.

This means even economy class passengers have more leg room. But it is the first class passengers who really get to experience this hotel in the sky.

As the aircraft is spread over two levels, the upper deck is dedicated to premium class passengers. Towards the front are 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped private suites, which come with remote controlled doors, a work desk with built-in illuminated vanity mirror, personal electrically-controlled mini bar and an advanced in-flight entertainment system.

The suites also come with a fold-out mechanical table, fresh flowers, a credenza sideboard, wardrobe, forward as well as stationary panels and screens.

The suite is more than two metres long, with a seat that reclines from upright position to sleep position with a length of 78.87 inches. Seat cushions are 21.6 inches wide and the seat/bed is equipped with an electrically-operated leg rest, backrest, headrest, armrest, seat frame, leg rest extension and seat pan extension.

The suite also comes with a multi-mode massage system with adjustable speed and intensity, lumbar support adjustment, touch screen wireless integrated passenger seat controller to control inflight entertainment and seat functions, plus a 23-inch-wide LCD screen, linked to Emirates' award-winning ICE inflight entertainment system, a PC power outlet and dual USB port.

But the most striking feature is the on-board timeless shower spa for first class passengers.

For the first time you can actually take a shower 45,000 feet above the ground on a commercial aircraft so that you can arrive at your destination looking fresh.

The two shower spas comprise a shower cubicle with water temperature and time control unit. Apart from the Bvlgari perfumes and timeless spa toiletries, the showers also have a 15.4-inch LCD monitor that displays live airshow and tail-camera output.

Other features include heated flooring, leather seating as well as an arrangement of exotic flowers to create a relaxed ambience.

Daly said: "Our customers wanted showers. As a leading international airline, Emirates tries to provide what passengers want to make their travel more enjoyable. Our on-board shower spas are just one of the innovations we have implemented across our network.

"Being the first commercial airline to install showers on-board, there were obviously challenges. Not only were there new engineering and interior design modifications involved, but we also had to specially train cabin service attendants who, after each use, are responsible for preparing the shower spa for the next passenger."

If you feel like socialising after a relaxing bath, then you can take advantage of the aircraft's social area. First class passengers can use the bar or the on-board lounge.

In addition to a fully-stocked bar containing premium beverages and a selection of hot and cold canapés and snacks, there are sofas to relax on and a 42-inch LCD screen showing the aircraft's position and views from its external cameras.

Mood lighting, which creates a calming ambience, adjusts throughout the flight to reflect the time at the destination, and to help combat effects of jet lag.

And when you feel like dining, you have the option of ordering a gourmet meal that will be prepared according to your tastes.

So don't forget to try this exquisite hotel in the skies.