Passengers flying on Emirates new Airbus A380 – to be delivered this autumn – will be able to take a hot shower mid-flight.

The Dubai-based carrier claims it will be the first commercial airline to install the facility.

It will be available in the airline’s first-call cabin from October 1 on the Dubai to New York route.

The airline has been criticised by green pressure groups who say the ‘mile-high shower’ is not environmentally friendly.

The plane will have to carry an extra tonne of water to feed the shower, a payload equivalent to 12 extra passengers.

Emirates has yet to reveal the details of its A380 first-class cabin but has promised it will be even more extravagant than Singaopre Airlines’ cabin.