The first upgraded Qantas A380 has taken to the skies, delivering a new level of comfort for customers travelling on the Australian national carrier’s largest aircraft.
The multimillion-dollar upgrade of 12 A380 aircraft includes new seating across expanded Business and Premium Economy cabins and a refresh of the aircraft’s First and Economy seating. The onboard lounge has also been redesigned.
Smarter use of space has created an all premium class upper deck (now occupied by Business and Premium Economy) and an expanded onboard lounge. There are now 30 fewer Economy seats and an increase in premium seating by 27 percent.
Key elements of the upgrade include the introduction of the Qantas Business Suite, replacing the previous Skybeds, in a 1-2-1 configuration that now gives aisle access to every passenger; the installation of the new Premium Economy seat (first debuted on the Qantas Dreamliner), the number of which has increased to 60; and a larger onboard lounge space (below) with seating for up to ten Business and First passengers.
The upgrade has also seen an update to the 14 First Class Suites, with new contoured cushioning, seat finishes and a larger, higher resolution entertainment screen; and a new colour palette for the Economy cabin and improved inflight entertainment.
The capacity of Qantas A380s after the upgrade will be 14 First Suites (unchanged), 70 Business Suites (up by six), 60 Premium Economy (up by 25) and 341 Economy (down by 30) for a total of 485 passengers (up by one).
“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,” says Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce, who believes the mid-life upgrade of the A380 would ensure its status as one of the most popular aircraft with customers. “It also provides an increase in Business and Premium Economy seating to help match the demand we’re seeing on our long-haul routes.”
A further two A380 aircraft are expected to undergo refurbishment before the end of 2019.
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