Prime Highlights-
- British Airways to launch the world’s biggest business class on refitted A380 jets, covering the upper deck for premium flyers.
- Sean Doyle calls the 12-jet A380 refit the largest airline investment in reconfiguring an aircraft from nose to tail.
Key Facts-
- First class gets fold-away dividers that turn middle seats into larger cabins for groups.
- Each A380 refit takes about 100 days, with the first upgraded jet entering service soon.
Background-
British Airways is set to unveil what it describes as the world’s largest business class cabin, installed on its refurbished Airbus A380 double-decker jets, as the airline sharpens its focus on premium travelers.
The IAG-owned carrier will refit all 12 of its A380s with a business class cabin that stretches across the full upper deck. The airline revealed the plan at an event in London, and the first refitted jet will take to the skies soon.
First class passengers will also gain new seats with fold-away dividers. Travelers flying together can open up the middle seats to create a larger shared suite. After the refit, each A380 will carry 417 seats, including 215 in economy.
Chief Executive Sean Doyle called the program the biggest single investment any airline has made in reworking an aircraft from nose to tail, with every part of the onboard experience getting a fresh look. Engineers need about 100 days to complete each aircraft.
The investment highlights the A380’s value to British Airways. Slot rules at Heathrow airport make the large jet a natural fit for the carrier’s London hub.
Airlines in the US and Europe are putting more money into first and business class cabins to attract affluent flyers who provide steady revenue. Air France-KLM’s La Premiere recently earned Skytrax’s top first class award and plans to reach more US cities. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also draw most of their profit from premium customers.
