British Airways is gearing up to revamp its Airbus A380 fleet starting later this year, as confirmed by its parent company, the International Airlines Group (IAG). This move is a significant part of IAG’s plans for the latter half of the year, as highlighted in their recent financial report. A major focus of this refurbishment is the introduction of a new first-class cabin, which aims to elevate the passenger experience. While British Airways is one of the few legacy airlines still offering a true first-class product, there’s been criticism that its competitors’ business class offerings have caught up. The airline hopes this upgrade will address those concerns.
Currently, British Airways operates 12 Airbus A380s, which, while not the oldest in their fleet, lack the modernity of newer models like the A350 and Boeing 787. The airline announced plans to refurbish these superjumbos back in November 2024, with the expectation that the updated aircraft would be ready by mid-2026. IAG’s latest update confirms that the retrofitting will begin in the second half of 2025. This aligns with their broader strategy to invest heavily in fleet renewal, with a significant portion of their €3.7 billion capital expenditure in 2025 dedicated to this cause.
The refurbishment of the A380s is all about taking British Airways’ first-class experience to the next level. The new seats are set to be more spacious and luxurious, featuring 79-inch length, 36.5-inch width, and a 32-inch screen. With mood lighting and enhanced privacy features, the airline aims to make passengers feel right at home. This investment is part of a broader effort to modernize the fleet, which also includes updates to the Airbus A350 family and the addition of new aircraft like the A320neo and A321XLR.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
