For $18,000 a ticket, first-class passengers on the newest double-decker jet to taxi down a Bush Intercontinental runway can travel to Dubai in a level of comfort and luxury that rivals the world's swankiest hotels.

These highfliers get not just private suites but also a well-stocked minibar. Those wishing to freshen up during the nearly 16-hour flight can do so in one of the "shower spas" built into the plane. And at the onboard lounge at the top of a spiraling staircase, they can mingle with business-class passengers while enjoying cocktails and delicacies from a five-star chef.

Meanwhile, the economy seats on the lower level each come with large-screen televisions offering passengers access to 1,800 channels of programming.

The new plane is an Airbus A380 from Emirates Airline, replacing the Boeing 777-300ER that previously served the daily nonstop route between Houston's Bush Intercontinental and Dubai International Airport - the longest flight available from Bush. A media event attended by local officials and airline executives commemorated the jet's arrival Wednesday, and the deluxe accommodations were on full display.

"Commencing A380 service to Houston will enable Emirates to grow alongside the city, which is experiencing strong economic development and the highest employment growth rate in the country," said Hubert Frach, Emirates divisional senior vice president.

Since the Dubai-based airline launched its nonstop service here in 2007, it has transported more than 1.2 million passengers between Houston and Dubai.

The airline added a second daily flight in 2010 but cut back when it launched service in Dallas in 2011. The upgrade to an A380 allows the airline to add 137 seats, a 38 percent increase in overall capacity. Executives said that the new product and additional seats were based on growing customer demand.

The extravagance reflects another trend.

"Extravagance is becoming a way of life for the premium cabins," said Brett Snyder, author of the consumer air travel blog The Cranky Flier.

Snyder said most of the ultra-luxury offerings come from carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Aiways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and Korean Air. With the A380 in particular, he said, there is a lot of extra space on the upper deck that airlines are finding ways to fill in order to better compete forthe high-end flier who might typically fly in a private jet.

Korean Air has a duty-free shop onboard, and Etihad is rolling out a full private residence with a butler service.

Emirates is the only airline to offer the shower in the sky, but other Middle Eastern and Asia-based airlines have been pushing to outdo each other in luxury. The new aircraft at Bush Intercontinental is part of Emirates' expanded use of the A380 around the U.S. It launched in San Francisco on Monday.

The new aircraft offered in Houston will seat 491 passengers: 14 first class private suites, 76 business class lie-flat beds and 401 economy class seats. The shower system allows first-class passengers up to five minutes of water use, controlled with the touch of a button.

Snyder said other U.S. and European airlines are leaning away from the ultra-luxury of first class and opting for business first class. He said that as business class gets better, fewer passengers care about first class on those airlines.

Emirates' daily flight to Houston departs Dubai at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at 4:05 p.m. The return flight takes off at 6:25 p.m. and lands in Dubai at 7:05 p.m. the next day.

The carrier boasts that the flight provides a direct connection between two major energy hubs. Last year, it transported some 190,000 people and more than 7,900 tons of cargo between the two cities.

Mayor Annise Parker noted the cities' connections in a prepared statement.

"It is important for the 'energy capital of the world' to enjoy a strong level of connectivity with Dubai," she said, "and the presence of this Texas-sized aircraft ensures that Houston is well positioned in that regard."