Emirates airlines today took delivery of its first Airbus A380 ‘superjumbo’ at the planemaker’s new Jürgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre in Hamburg, Germany.

The aircraft was received by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

Sheikh Ahmed noted that while Emirates may not have been the first airline to receive the new generation aircraft, it was the first to place a firm order for it eight years ago.

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 US$1.5 billion. By November 2007, the award-winning carrier had placed firm orders for 58 A380s.

The Emirates A380s are 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.

The 58 A380s are set to play an integral role in the carrier’s ambitious network expansion, eventually serving all the major cities in the Emirates’ network which spans six continents. This first aircraft will be deployed on the Dubai-New York route, marking the first commercial A380 service to the UAE and US.

Emirates is due to receive five superjumbos in the current financial year, which ends 31 March, 2009, and receive the remaining 53 by June 2013.