“Meet you at the bar?” Not a phrase that was typically associated with air travel, until Emirates began perfecting its A380 Onboard Lounge facility on the plane’s upper deck. The airline has since been tinkering with the product and unveiled an enhanced version at the recent ITB Berlin for both the superjumbo and Boeing 777 fleet.
The bar remains the focal point of the lounge, retaining its horseshoe shape, with more seating space with a new seating arrangement along the windows on both sides of the bar. Overall, the lounge can comfortably accommodate up to 26 passengers at a time, including eight seated guests.
The new Onboard Lounge will also feature an airier look and feel. Lighter champagne colours will be used in the cabin and lounge seating, accented by a glossy dark wood trim with a 55-inch LCD screen displaying flight information, live TV broadcasts and the latest news or sports updates.
“The A380 Onboard Lounge is hugely popular with our customers, and has become an iconic feature of Emirates’ A380 offering,” said Sir Tim Clark, the airline’s president. “Particularly on long-haul flights, our customers tell us they appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs and mingle in the relaxed, yet classy lounge area.”