Quantcast

Emirates' Airbus A380 lounges evolved from cautious beginnings

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates' Airbus A380 lounges evolved from cautious beginnings
Policy
Webp clark
Tim Clark President of Emirates | Official Website

Over the years, Emirates has gained a reputation for offering one of the most luxurious passenger experiences in the world. The airline's Airbus A380 fleet has been central to this approach, featuring distinctive elements such as an onboard lounge at the rear of the upper deck.

When Emirates first introduced this lounge, it included overhead bins as a backup measure. In 2004, Pierrejean Design Studio was selected to explore concepts for the lounge. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, explained: “I designed the bar at the back of the aircraft on the upper deck, on the understanding that if it didn't work, we could remove it in 96 hours and put eight more business class seats in within the first few flights.”

The lounge eventually became a popular feature on the A380, leading to its continued presence without overhead bins. Over time, Emirates has made several updates to improve its design and functionality. In 2017, a major update introduced a lighter aesthetic with ivory tones and wood-grain finishes.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Neil Taggart from AIM Altitude commented on these updates: “This long and continuous association with Emirates is evidence that the design of the A380’s lounge bar has reached classic status whilst retaining its freshness and continuing appeal to passengers.”

The latest version of this space is more open than earlier designs and accommodates around 26 passengers. It includes seating for seven to eight people across curved sofas and side benches. The area features a dedicated bartender who can prepare signature cocktails upon request.

Sir Tim Clark hinted at possible future changes during an event in New Delhi: “I won’t reveal exactly what is going to happen... but it’ll be very attractive.” As Emirates continues retrofitting its A380 fleet with new cabins like Premium Economy, potential changes to their iconic bar might follow.

Today, this lounge remains integral to Emirates' premium product offering across all superjumbos in their fleet—a testament not only as part standard but also one that continues delivering what it set out initially achieve over fifteen years ago.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025