New First Class on board the Lufthansa A380

19 May 2010 New First Class on board the Lufthansa A380 Quietest First Class in the world with many innovations – Additional travel comfort in Business and Economy Class – Customers’ wishes integrated into design Lufthansa will unveil its newly developed First Class when it accepts delivery of its first Airbus A380 today. The world’s largest and most modern commercial aircraft promises relaxed and comfortable travel – and not only in First Class. In Business and Economy Class on its A380, Lufthansa also offers the highest level of passenger comfort. The generous proportions of the cabin alone create a feeling of spaciousness. “The A380 offers our passengers a first-rate travel experience. The very dimensions of the Airbus A380 and its flight characteristics make travelling on this aircraft a truly unique experience. In all three travel classes, our passengers can enjoy the ultimate in comfort. The exceptional and exclusive First Class concept, which was designed according to our passengers’ wishes and needs, is particularly impressive,” said Thierry Antinori, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board responsible for Marketing and Sales, at the presentation of the new First Class. Developed by customers, for customers – top-flight travel in the new First Class In future, Lufthansa passengers can expect a First Class experience that sets new standards in terms of exclusivity and comfort. The first impression upon entering the cabin is one of spaciousness, inviting passengers to relax and unwind. Superb-quality materials plus a clear, uniform design language echo the elegant features of the First Class Lounges and the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt on board the A380 and provide a harmonious travel experience. The generously proportioned, open design and exclusive ambience with simple, distinct lines and subtle colours creates a light, appealing and inviting atmosphere. A concept with separate cabins was deliberately rejected because at numerous customer events, and during in-flight tests and surveys, Lufthansa passengers expressed a clear preference for an open-plan design. However, thanks to a flexible privacy screen, First Class guests can determine the degree of individual privacy they desire. In order to adapt the new First Class concept to the actual needs of passengers, Lufthansa customers were substantially involved in its development. From the outset, their experiences and wishes were integrated into the design. A quiet atmosphere is one of the most important needs of First Class customers. Sound-absorbing curtains partition off the rest of the cabin, while special sound-insulating material in the aircraft’s outer skin and sound-absorbing carpeting block footstep noise and ensure the world’s quietest First Class cabin. The atmosphere soon lets passengers forget that they are travelling by air. Another important factor in customer comfort is the newly developed seat, which combines ergonomics and comfort and which can be extended to create the “best bed in its class”. Measuring 2.07 metres in length and 80 centimetres in width, the comfortable bed offers plenty of room, enabling passengers to enjoy deep, relaxing sleep. The air humidification system -- the first of its kind to be installed on a commercial aircraft -- and the lighting concept, which adjusts according to the time of day, also contribute towards passengers’ well-being on board. On the A380, First Class passengers have an extraordinary amount of space. In the cabin, overhead bins were omitted in order to provide more headroom. Instead, each passenger has an individual closet, which is lockable, in addition to the generous storage facilities around the seat. Instead of just a washroom with a lavatory, First Class passengers will find a luxurious bathroom with wash and changing areas separated from the lavatory area. The room is well- equipped with various bath amenities and provides plenty of space to move around in. Successful Lufthansa Business Class provides even more comfort Passengers travelling in Lufthansa’s successful Business Class on the A380 can enjoy the recognised benefits of a seat that converts into a comfortable, two-metre-long bed. Compared with the previous Business Class cabin, functionality and user-friendliness have been further improved. A new control console for the inflight entertainment system has been installed. Thanks to the larger luggage bins on the A380, Business Class passengers also have more storage space. More individual space for Economy Class passengers A newly developed seat has been installed in Economy Class – as in First Class. In cooperation with internationally renowned designers and ergonomics experts, Lufthansa is thus offering passengers in Economy Class a maximum amount of space. Thanks to the optimal ergonomic design and seat structure, which also have slimmer seat backs, passengers in this travel class will also enjoy more space and comfort. The new seat concept provides passengers with an additional five centimetres of personal space and thanks to the slim-line seat back, they also have more legroom at knee level. Cinema on board – time just flies with the new in-flight entertainment programme The varied in-flight entertainment programme, which can be accessed via a personal monitor, caters to all interests. Passengers can choose from a wide selection of the latest feature films, a range of international music and radio channels, and a current TV programme. New kids’ channels have been introduced, with a varied programme for young passengers and a multi-player game mode. The 3D game graphics, which are controlled with an external game controller, provide a special highlight. In all travel classes on the A380, the popular service information about the flight, the route and the flight position can be viewed as a 3D animation. Moreover, external video cameras will be used for the first time. Among other things, they will transmit pictures taken from the tailfin perspective to passengers’ individual monitors. The A380 has a total of 526 seats, including eight in First Class, 98 in Business Class and 420 in Economy Class. Note for editors: Print-quality images are available at: http://presse.lufthansa.com/en/media-library/photo-library.html - Photo Library - Aktuelles - Lufthansa A380 For further press information contact: Aage Duenhaupt / Gudrun Gorner Dave Sanders Lufthansa German Airlines Dave Sanders & Associates Ltd Tel: + 44 20 8750 3415 Tel/Fax: 01257 278767 Fax: + 44 20 8759 1987 Email: http://media.lufthansa.com lhmedia@davesandersassociates.com