Emirates Airlines is working on a two-class configuration for its Airbus A380s which would axe the superjumbo’s prestigious first class suites.
The A380s would be fitted out with business and economy cabins, although the upper deck bar would remain.
The current configuration sees first class and business class on the upper deck, with the entire lower deck given over to economy.
Emirates president Tim Clark reportedly confirmed the plans to Air Transport World, although he said the exact number of seats in the new A380 variant – which could begin flying in 2016, if the plans go ahead – is still to be determined.
Emirates’ would retain its original A380 layout for its most profitable long-haul routes, while using additional two-class A380 to serve selected markets with where there’s a high demand for seats, but not at high prices.
Emirates is Airbus’ biggest customer for the A380, with 31 superjumbos already in its fleet and another 59 on order.
