British Airways is refitting its Airbus A380 fleet with a full cabin redesign that will put 106 Club Suite business-class seats across the entire upper deck, creating what it describes as the world’s largest business-class cabin. The programme will also add new First, premium economy and economy cabins, with the first refurbished aircraft due back in service in the coming months.
The overhaul covers all 12 A380s and reduces total capacity from 469 seats to 417. The revised layout will include 12 First suites, 106 Club Suites, 84 premium-economy seats and 215 economy seats, shifting the superjumbo further towards premium demand on long-haul routes.
The first aircraft is undergoing work in Manila, while the announcement was made in London. The retrofit is part of a broader push by the carrier to refresh its long-haul widebody fleet and protect higher-yield traffic as new aircraft deliveries remain delayed.
More than 35,000 parts are being replaced or installed on each aircraft, including new galleys, stairways and entertainment systems. Reports indicate the business-class cabin will be divided into four zones on the upper deck, with the redesigned First suite forming part of the wider cabin revamp.