An Indian aviation enthusiast based in Dubai has converted a significant portion of his apartment into a highly detailed replica of the luxurious living room found within Etihad Airways' Airbus A380 Residence suite. This exclusive three-room accommodation, known globally for its opulence, now serves as a unique living area in Arun Rajagopal's home.
From Collector's Wish to Full-Scale Replica
Rajagopal, originally from Kochi, Kerala, initially intended to purchase only a sofa from the A380 Residence. However, his ambition grew, leading him to acquire the complete living-room section of the renowned three-room suite, which originally included a private lounge, a separate bedroom, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. This project evolved beyond simple memorabilia collection, as Rajagopal felt a single piece wouldn't adequately capture the essence of the iconic cabin.
The transformation of the aircraft interior for residential use took nearly a year. Engineers meticulously repaired damaged components and adapted the system for daily home life. The finished installation features fully restored seating, a custom 32-inch television, functional powered window shades, working lighting, USB charging ports, and sliding privacy doors. These elements successfully preserve the premium aircraft cabin ambiance while ensuring practicality for everyday living, dining, and working.
A Deep-Rooted Passion for Aviation
Rajagopal's apartment is also home to an extensive array of aviation memorabilia, highlighting his profound connection to flight. His collection includes first-class seats from Emirates' inaugural Airbus A380 flight, various aircraft components, and certificates from other inaugural journeys. A standout piece is a coffee table crafted from an actual Airbus A380 wheel.
His passion for the double-decker aircraft is evident in his travel history; according to his Instagram profile, he has flown on the Airbus A380 an impressive 222 times. Rajagopal's lifelong fascination with aviation began in his childhood in Kochi, encompassing trains, buses, ships, and aircraft. He built a career in advertising and digital communications, contributing to projects like Oman Air’s rebranding and social media launch.
Later, he spent over eight years at Emirates in social media roles, gaining close exposure to the airline's flagship aircraft during deliveries, inaugural flights, and air shows. Although he left the airline industry in 2020 for a communications position at Oracle, his dedication to building one of the region’s most recognizable aviation collections continues unabated.