Last week Emirates took delivery of its first Airbus A380 “superjumbo” at the plane maker’s new Jürgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre in Hamburg.

The aircraft was received by chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum at an official handover ceremony. Also present were president of Emirates Airline Tim Clark; Airbus CEO Tom Enders; former Engine Alliance president, Bruce Hughes; Jürgen Thomas, the “founding father” of the A380; the 2,000 Hamburg Airbus staff directly involved in the production of the A380; 58 Emirates cabin crew, representing the number of A380s the Dubai based carrier has on firm order; international media, VIPs and other guests.

In July 2000 Emirates became the first airline to sign a firm commitment and place a deposit for the world’s biggest commercial aircraft, initially for seven aircraft, with five further options, collectively worth $1.5 billion. By November 2007, the award-winning carrier had placed firm orders for 58 A380s.

The Emirates A380s will be powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, enabling the carrier to save 500,000 litres of fuel per aircraft per year over any other engine alternative currently available.

Emirates has invested heavily in onboard features to ensure that its A380s are the finest, most comfortable in the sky. The jewel in the aircraft’s crown is without a doubt the First Class Shower Spa, two fully equipped bathrooms in its First Class cabins, including shower facilities.

Emirates also unveiled its Onboard Lounge. Located in the Business Class cabin for use by First and Business Class passengers, the Lounge is designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club. Another First Class social area and bar is located at the front of the upper deck.

Passengers will also notice a difference in the Economy Class cabin, most notably the straight walls which give the impression of increased spaciousness. This feature, combined with the advanced mood lighting system and noticeably quieter cabin, works to combat the effects of jetlag.

Emirates is due to receive five super jumbos in the current financial year, which ends 31 March, 2009, and receive the remaining 53 by June 2013. The first five 489-seat, long range aircraft will be deployed on some of the carrier’s busiest routes including New York, London Heathrow (1st December), Sydney and Auckland (1st February, 2009).