A380 superfan who flew the jet 224 times installs a real Airbus cabin in his apartment

For most aviation enthusiasts, collecting aircraft models is enough. For Arun Rajagopal, 224 flights on the Airbus A380 inspired something much bigger: installing a restored Airbus A380 cabin in his apartment.

He worked with UAE-based aircraft-upcycling specialist Wings Craft to build and install a customised cabin made primarily from original Airbus A380 components.

The finished space features authentic aircraft seats, working A380 windows and original cabin fittings designed to recreate the experience of flying on the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

In an interview with Aerospace Global News, Rajagopal said: ““My biggest concern was if the mini cabin would fit my living room. We had measurements, but the fit out in real life was all that mattered.”

Some components were too large for the building’s service lift. “So we had up to seven folks carrying the parts up the stairs,” he said.

The project uses mostly original A380 aircraft parts, Rajagopal said. “Replicas are very minimal. The TV screen is new, of course. Even the A380 windows work. It’s as close to the real thing as possible.”

Wings Craft had offered to customise the installation if the dimensions proved problematic for his apartment. Rajagopal said the process, from deciding to acquire the cabin to completing the installation, took about a year and involved extensive restoration.

“The final product looks spectacular and has the ambience that I originally wanted: a piece of sky at home,” he said.

Beyond the private cabin, Rajagopal has filled his apartment with aviation-themed furnishings, including aircraft seat recliners and a coffee table built from an upcycled Emirates A380 wheel.

The A380 wasn’t Arun Rajagopal’s first love

Rajagopal’s attachment to the A380 developed over several years. He first flew on the aircraft on 11 March 2009, but he said it did not immediately displace his fondness for the Boeing 777.

“My fascination for the A380 began with my fourth flight, which was from Dubai to Singapore on 23 January 2013,” he recalled. “It was my first ever business class flight on the A380.”

The spacious cabin and the lounge at the rear of the upper deck left an impression. “I was fascinated by the comfort and luxury onboard, and the fact that we had a lounge bar at the back of the aircraft was a wow factor.”

He has since accumulated 224 A380 flights on Emirates, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines. According to Rajagopal, 95.5% of those journeys have been in premium cabins on the upper deck.

His aviation memories extend beyond the A380. A photographer captured his first A380 flight on approach to London Heathrow in 2009, and he still has the picture. He also recently completed his 200th Boeing 777 flight with Emirates.

“The Boeing 777 is my first love,” he said. “It’s the aircraft that truly made me fall in love with aviation. Who doesn’t love that GE-90 roar?” He also enjoys flying the Airbus A350.

A380 superfan weighs in on the best A380 premium cabins in the world

Having sampled some of the A380’s most elaborate premium products, including Etihad’s Residence, Rajagopal is reluctant to pick one airline as an outright winner. Each, he said, offers something distinctive.

He particularly likes Etihad’s First Class Apartment, with its leather sofa seat and separate bed, as well as the airline’s first-class dining. On Emirates, he highlights the onboard lounge and shower spas. He praises Singapore Airlines for its inflight service and the space provided in its six first-class suites.

“Every airline has their unique strength and offering, as they all treat the A380 as the flagship of their fleet,”  Rajagopal tells AGN. “Etihad offers a Poltrona Frau leather sofa seat along with a bench bed in their First Class Apartment. I love that design as I like to put my feet up. Some Apartments offer a connected double bed experience. The First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport is one of my fav spaces to unwind. I enjoy Etihad’s fine dining.

“The Emirates A380 has expansive shower spas with heated floors and the hugely popular social onboard lounge. They also offer the largest IFE selection. Starlink, which is being introduced on their A380 fleet, is an absolute game-changer. Plus, I’m a huge, huge fan of their Dom Pérignon offering. 

“The inflight service and book-the-cook offering on Singapore Airlines is exceptional. I believe their First Class Suites (only 6 on an A380) offer the largest personal space per suite. Their Suite has a standalone luxury armchair designed by Poltrona Frau, and it swivels into three distinct positions (dining, watching TV, or looking out the window). You can also convert two suites into a mini-room. The Private Room at Changi Airport is a nice touch.

“Fun fact: The First Class entertainment screens on both Etihad and Singapore A380s swivel.”

These luxury experiences explain why the A380 aircraft has retained such a hold on Rajagopal’s imagination. Adding a private A380 cabin to his apartment is something more permanent: an aviation-inspired space he can enjoy while he’s not living the good life up in the air.