I thought after two decades in journalism, I had seen it all, been there and done it. When the Emirates invitation came to fly on the inaugural commercial flight of the A380, I wasn't overly excited – it was after all just another long and boring flight in yet another plane. Hang on! Did I say just another plane?
Despite the hype, my jaded taste buds and my habitual professional cynicism, I must confess I wasn't exactly prepared for what Emirates had in store for me. All was ordinary and several-times-experienced before I stepped into the plane. The annoying early morning rising, the efficient processing through check-in, customs and immigration, the inevitable hospitality at the Emirates lounge and the prospect of being cooped up in a tube-like object high up in the sky for a seemingly never-ending more than 13 hours of my life – all made for a rather bleak outlook as I surrendered my boarding pass to get on the plane.
But then the experience began.
Cameras began flashing from the ramp to the plane. Caught up in the mood of the moment, even I whipped out my mobile and clicked a picture of the historic plane at the gate. It was more cameras in the cabin – people were even taking pictures of themselves. Everything was brand new and the latest.
Those who know me know that I'm demanding and not easily impressed. But the charm and efficiency of this handpicked Emirates cabin crew (who spoke 15 languages between them) had me swept off my feet to my seat in seconds. Before I knew it, I had a long-stemmed cool drink in my hand even as my jacket was whisked away so I could relax. I like to believe I am a Spartan, but I must admit my very own personal space – my seat – was comfy. It was private with all the latest gadgetry to keep me trying to work it out for the duration of the flight. Given my love for snoozing, the 180-degree horizontal bed was equivalent to heaven. The occasional turbulence occasioned a hastily mumbled prayer as I tried to recover the lost early morning hours.
What hit me most was the size and girth of the plane and the way Emirates had it all configured out. The luxury of the interior, the elegance of the fittings and the facilities – imagine a shower and a spa in the sky?
I've travelled on many planes and believe me this was a big one – it seats 399 in Economy, 76 in Business and 14 in First. I've travelled cramped and with a threat of DVT looming on long-haul flights, but the A380 allows for better leg space, apart from a bar lounge in Business and an à la carte menu in the First. I may have been travelling business, but everything was first class – and I suspect that for economy travellers everything was business.
The only fly-in-the-ointment I felt was the length of the flight. I know that the duration is beyond Emirates control. But then I have lived in Dubai long enough to feel somehow that nothing is beyond control. I was told they have shaved off almost an hour from the previous flights from Dubai to New York. Believe me I have never seen anything like Emirates A380 and I suspect you haven't either. This is a safe bet as the plane is new and Emirates is among the first airlines to put it into service.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the future of travel is here. And it is only going to get better.