"Quietest first class in the world" arrives in Frankfurt

German flag-carrier Lufthansa has inaugurated its new A380 superjumbo service, promising that the first class cabin is the "quietest in the world."

The A380 will fly Lufthansa's busy Frankfurt to Tokyo route from June 11, after carrying the German national football team to South Africa for the World Cup and making an appearance at the Berlin Air Show.

Lufthansa says that customers were substantially involved in the development of the new flag carrier, and that a quiet atmosphere emerged as one of the most important needs of first class passengers.

As such, the first class cabin is fitted with sound-absorbing carpets, curtains and the aircraft's skin contains a sound-insulating material.

Traditional overhead bins have been removed in favor of individual lockers for first class passengers, and an enlarged washroom also includes separate wash and changing areas.

Lufthansa's A380 aircraft will carry a total of 526 passengers - eight in first, 98 in business class and 420 in economy class.

The size of the A380 has given airlines some flexibility in designing first class and business class cabins, which are the most profitable on board for many carriers.

Singapore Airlines, the first airline to fly the A380, opted to install private suites for first class passengers, whilst travelers onboard Dubai-based Emirates can enjoy a fully fledged shower at 35,000 feet.

Air France dedicated some of the space to a small art gallery and changing room for passengers to get ready for bed.

Also on May 19, Emirates Airline announced that it will begin flying its A380 to New York daily from October, citing an upturn in demand for the route.

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