Emirates president Tim Clark launched the airline's new Mercedes Benz-inspired first class suite on its Boeing 777 aircraft at the opening day of the Dubai Airshow on 12 November.

Clark said demand for first class seats particularly in China and Europe remains "very, very strong" with the first class suite likely to be introduced in other routes as well.

"It is basically a 5-star or 6-star hotel [suite]," Clark said. The suite features moveable beds, large displays and a tablet, among others.

The executive, however, did not talk about the expected deal for 35 to 40 new A380s.

The carrier has over 200 planes on order  from both Airbus and Boeing worth more than $100bn.

On 9 November, Emirates Airline reported a 111 per cent rise in net profit in the first half of its fiscal year ending March 2018, at AED1.7bn ($452m).

The net profit was made on the back of AED44.5bn in revenue, which is 6 per cent higher compared to the figure reported in the corresponding period last year.

Overall, the Group’s revenue stood at AED49.4bn, with profit reaching AED2.3bn. These are 6 per cent and 77 per cent higher, respectively, compared to figures reported a year earlier.

The positive results are due to capacity optimisation and efficiency initiatives, easing of strong US dollar, and steady business growth, the company said in a statement.