Unrivalled luxury and technical prowess – a new era in aviation begins today

It is the world's cleanest and greenest aeroplane. And its technical prowess is matched only by its unrivalled luxury.

Today at 11am, Emirates airline's first Airbus A380 superjumbo was due to take off on its maiden flight from its home in Dubai to New York City. With 489 passengers and a crew of 24, EK201's non-stop 14-hour journey to JFK International Airport heralds a new era for the rapidly expanding airline.

Emirates has spent $19 billion (Dh69.78bn) on a 58-strong fleet of A380s – making it by far the largest customer for the next-generation aircraft.

Besides its jumbo size, the interior boasts luxuries never before seen on commercial flights – such as showers for first-class passengers. The showers are an innovation of Emirates airline's spa brand, Timeless Spa.

The whole upper deck of the aircraft on the New York flight is dedicated to premium-class passengers.

The front portion has 14 flat-beds, massage seats in private suites with remote-control doors, work desks, an electronically controlled mini-bar and a sophisticated entertainment system.

Emirates airline is expecting another five A380s – the flagship of its future fleet – this financial year, which ends in March, and is due to welcome its second plane in September.

"We have stood firm on our commitment to the A380," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive, referring to his company being the first airline to place a solid order.

"Our investment in the aircraft, including engines and inflight features, exceeds $50bn and we congratulate Airbus for creating a greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter aircraft. The A380 will be instrumental in helping Emirates meet its growing passenger demands."

Today's flight to New York also marks the first commercial journey by an A380 to the United States. After Singapore Airlines' maiden A380 flight to London in March, today's flight makes Emirates only the second airline to begin commercial flights with the new aircraft.

Airbus says the A380s can fly up to 12,000km with a full passenger load, and offer better fuel economy per passenger than most hybrid passenger cars.

The A380 is also reported to be quieter than other planes, which means more comfort for passengers and a smaller noise "footprint".

Spread over two levels, the A380 has 489 seats for long haul flights – 14 in first class, 76 in business and 399 in economy. First-class fares from Dubai to New York are Dh24,590, Dh15,570 for business class and Dh4,640 for economy passengers.

After arriving in New York at about 4.45pm local time today, the return flight leaves JFK on Saturday at 9pm to arrive in Dubai at 5.45pm.

Emirates will begin the A380 service to London's Heathrow Airport from December 1 and to Sydney from February 1, 2009.