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A superlative plane ride
As for the A380, mere words are not sufficient to explain the fascination
- By Joseph A. Kechichian, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 23:01 August 14, 2008
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Last Monday and Tuesday, Emirates flew in its brand new Airbus A-380-800 (A6-EDA) into San Francisco and Los Angeles, on special familiarisation flights ahead of forthcoming 777-200LR non-stop services from Dubai to California's two major cities. As a long-time aviation fan, and an occasional Emirates passenger [with no ties with either the aviation industry or any travel group], a fortunate invitation landed on my desk and I joined the Tuesday two-hour long flight over the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the sheer fantasy of riding an incredibly comfortable plane, one could easily discover why Emirates is one of the few airlines that is in the black and, equally important, why it will continue to chip away at its competitors.
First the A380. Those who already saw the plane in Dubai, or started flying it to New York, know that it is huge. Its fuselage stretches over 73 metres while its wingspan comes in at 79.8 metres. Yet, it is a whisperliner, noiseless to a point both inside and out. As spectators lined up on the tarmac to watch the plane land, one could hardly hear its four engines, which is testimony to some great engineering. No one could mistake the giant plane, however, as it approaches a runway. It's just immense and the 300 plus invitees were just in awe at its size. Those who will eventually board the aircraft through satellite gangways may appreciate its mass but nothing compares with a walk towards the parked aircraft and boarding it through the back door. One gets a unique field vision of the wingspan and enormous engines. In fact, getting on board through the aft door gives you an idea of the full volume of this beautiful aircraft. Notwithstanding its scale, the plane's curvaceous lines are gentle and welcoming, with wide doors that will allow for unobstructed deplaning. This particular low-density version of the A380 has 399 economy class seats on the "first floor", while the "second floor" features 14 flat-bed private suites, and 76 lie-flat business class "paces". Needless to say, upstairs is luxurious, but the economy class section, where I flew, was remarkably well appointed too. The two showers in first-class are incredible with the idea of cooling off at 30,000 feet probably the greatest since the dawn of aviation history. No one can truly compete with this astonishing feature and the mere fact of walking inside a shower in flight must stand out as an ultimate experience. Even the business class lounge, which bridles with sophistication and panache, cannot compete with the front section.
Onboard
Emirates passengers know that most of the service onboard any of its flights stand out. At a time when the airline industry in hurting, in certain cases very badly, one wonders what is the company's secret that allow it to shine where everyone else is regressing. Of course, all airlines are first and foremost businesses that focus on the bottom line, but it seems that Emirates' shadow slogan is: "whatever it takes to please our passengers." It is, in short, an attitude that the traveller is a guest, not just a customer, and that while the company is happy to be paid for its services, it is also willing, able and ready to serve. Few airlines can boast such a claim and the bigger ones tend to forego amenities that delight - from large seats, to comfort kits, to edible fare. Somehow, one doubts that Emirates will ever charge $5 for a snack box, which is sadly the situation on most domestic carriers in the United States. Jet Blue, an up-and-coming airline that spread its wings far and wide, has just inaugurated a $7 pillow service, which is truly sad, since it recognises the value of the cushion at a passenger's expense. Others are charging $2 for a soda. There is even a design to eventually stack economy class passengers in bunks to save on space and weight.
Of course, Emirates is well known for its innovative preferences, and one can only dream of future improvements but for now, what is within reach on an A380 will make the most cynical individual rout for its commercial success. If current services into several worldwide destinations are successful, it may indeed be the result of its penchant for quality and, more important, to the concept of treating every passenger as a privileged visitor. That formula is bound to add to a list of loyal customers who will cherish the opportunities to travel with the company.
As for the A380, mere words are not sufficient to explain the fascination, perhaps with the exceptions of fabuleux [fabulous] and wunderbar [wonderful]. It's just too bad the plane does not have a third floor.
Dr Joseph A. Kechichian is a commentator and author of several books on Gulf affairs. Emirates did not commission this essay and neither its staff, nor the public relations firm that extended the author's invitation, were aware that it would be written.
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