Industry Airbus launches A380 Cabin-Flex option with Qantas

The Cabin-Flex version contains a new cabin door area arrangement on the upper-deck. A premium configurated deck with a lower density seat counts will allow airlines to maximise floor-space. The extra space enables airlines to seat more passengers - without compromising on passenger comfort.

A380 Cabin-Flex will be available for both line-fit and retrofit. Qantas Airways will be the launch operator for the option. The carrier will retrofit its current A380 fleet from mid-2019 onwards.

Additional space for seating is being created by deactivating “Door-3”. Cabin-Flex can enable airlines to accommodate 11 more premium economy seats. Alternatively, seven more business class seats can be implemented.

Airbus´ newest development in its A380 programme will raise airline´s Return-on-Invest (RoI) on the A380. This is likely to happen within around one year after the retrofit solution. Therefore, the option is said to be an effective way to increase seats on the upper-deck.

Lately, Airbus had to announce to reduce the production rate for the A380. On the other hand, Portugal´s Hifly took delivery of its first Airbus A380 in April.

Today, 223 A380 are being operated by 13 airlines worldwide. Around 240 airports are capable of accommodating the A380.