A380 Suites Concept

by Trey Evans (RSS feed)
Jun 29th 2006 at 12:02PM

In a rather bold move, Airbus has unveiled some concept "super first class" suites that could be put into production in the new 380s. The suites are on display at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, and are capable of seating three or four people, and the couch folds out into a bed. The nicest feature I noticed is the bathroom with full shower, which would really be refreshing on those 14 hour trans-globe flights. The read link has some amazing pictures, let's hope this concept is one of the ones that trickles down into the factories.

[Thanks, Andrew]

Tags: airbus

Filed under: Wings

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

DJ Jun 29th 2006 2:12PM

Reminds me of the early 80's when Continental Airlines (at that time, they were a somewhat upscale carrier) offered "Pub in the Sky" flights on some of their wide body aircraft. In between coach and 1st class was an area that offered a standup, full service bar, leather sofa's and appetizers. It could comfortably hold 15 people or so at a time. Sure, it took away several rows of fare paying seats, but it was very nice to have on longer flights.

By the way, with this Airbus concept's privacy, how easy is it going to be for hundreds of new members to join the "Mile High Club"?

Andrew Lam Jun 29th 2006 2:53PM

Well, looking at the suites in the photos, you can see that they are not completely closed off - meaning joining the Mile High Club will be a public experience. The suite concepts look similar to the suites in Emirates first, which are also not completely private.

Trey Evans Jun 29th 2006 4:20PM

Plus, if you've got the money to fly "super first class" international, you've got the money to fly a charter plane or even your own jet, which would be total privacy in joining the club.

shawk Jun 30th 2006 1:14PM

No carrier has ordered the suites.

You may have heard that the A380 is late.
The A380 is in deeper trouble.

The economic reason for the A380 is to move as many people as possible into congested airports that offer few slots for aircraft.
As of today, the A380 takes up two to three slots due to turbulence behind it.
The competing Boeing 747-400 takes up one slot.

And the test wing wasn't strong enough to pass an vital structural test.
The wing has to be redesigned and strengthened.
This is bad.

And it's late.