Airlines Qantas unveils upgraded A380 cabin

The multimillion-dollar upgrade includes a new seating experience across all business and premium economy cabins of the 12 aircraft strong A380 fleet. Also, the first class and economy seating has been refreshed and the on-board lounge has been redesigned.

Qantas tried to use the space of the cabin smarter and has therefore created an all-premium class upper deck. The lounge on the deck has been expanded. This does also mean, that there are 30 fewer economy class seats while 27 percent more passengers in premium class can be welcomed.

Key elements, according to the carrier, include: The introduction of the Qantas Business Suite that replaces the previous Skybeds. The Suite has a 1:2:1 configuration which means that every passenger has now aisle access. Furthermore, the installation of the new Premium Economy seats increase the number of seats from 35 to 60, a larger on-board lounge space has been installed with seating for up to 10 Business and First passengers, the 14 First Class Suites have been updated with new contoured cushioning, seat finishes and larger IFE screen. Last but not least, Qantas stated that a new colour palette for the Economy cabin and improved inflight entertainment are now available.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce commented: “The A380 is a crucial part of our long-haul fleet and this upgrade program will see customers enjoy everything the aircraft has to offer for years to come [...] It also provides an increase in Business and Premium Economy seating to help match the demand we’re seeing on our long-haul routes [...] Working with Airbus, we’ve been able to use the cabin space more efficiently and improve the economics of the aircraft while also providing a better experience in every part of the aircraft [...] By the end of this upgrade, we’ll have next-generation seating across our entire long-haul fleet of A380s, A330s and 787s.”

The airline said, that a further two A380 aircraft are expected to undergo refurbishment before the end of 2019. Each aircraft will need approximately eight weeks to be upgraded. Over the course of the refurbishment, Qantas will give more details on the onboard services at a hanger event in Sydney.

Qantas is the flag-carrier of Australia and the largest carrier in the country. The airline currently flies with a fleet of 136 aircraft, including 28 Airbus A330s, 12 A380s, 80 Boeing 737s, seven 747s, one 767 and eight 787 Dreamliner. This year on PAS19, the carrier announced that it will order the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft for longer routes that only need single-aisle configuration.