According to Executive Traveler, Qantas will be getting their first refitted A380 back to the sky by late September. 3 more refitted Airbus A380s will be due by end of this year.
Instead of sticking to one particular route, the refitted A380s will fly to various existing A380 routes on a random basis – Singapore, London, Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth.
As explained by Alan Joyce, the CEO of Qantas, they “can’t dedicate them to one particular route (so) people will be surprised and delighted when they see the upgraded A380s.”
This is quite a clever play on words. It sounds like they are randomising it for the sake of bringing some surprise to the passengers. However, it is likely that they want to have the flexibility to schedule the refitted A380s to all possible A380 routes; this way they can keep their A380s in the air as much as possible, to keep the money rolling in.
Seat Updates On The Refitted A380
First Class Suite
Instead of a brand new First Class Suite, passenger should expect minor updates on the existing “open” design First Class Suite. Newson, who was in charge of designing the existing First Class Suite, will be working on a modest refresh for the cabin and materials. Passenger should expect more comfortable contoured cushioning and a larger HD screen.
Business Class
One of the biggest revamps on the A380 would be in Business Class. The existing Skybed II seats, in a 2-2-2 seat configuration, will be replaced by the existing Business Suite currently fitted on the B787, in a 1-2-1 seat configuration.
With the Business Suite, you should look forward to having direct aisle access, more storage space and a brighter and sharper screen.
The number of Business Class seats will increase from 64 to 70. Among which the first five rows will have their own small cabin, right up at the front of the aircraft.
In addition the existing Business Class lounge on the A380 will be redesigned to create a cafe-inspired social space, where there will be padded benches with soft surrounding LED lighting for up to five passengers.
There will also be a second lounge next to the staircase, to fit in three passengers, along with a self-serve snack bar beside it. Currently this space is being utilised as a cabin crew office.
Premium Economy Class
The existing Premium Economy Class will also be replaced with the current Premium Economy Seat on the B787.
The Premium Economy Class cabin will have a 2-3-2 seat configuration. Although the latest seat product provides a better screen, more storage compartments and a tablet holder, the Premium Economy Class on the A380 will not have more legroom as compared to the one on the B787.
Economy Class
The Economy Class will also receive minor changes, such as new seat cushions and “improved inflight entertainment” which Qantas did not elaborate on. At least for now, we know that the A380 Economy Class will likely not be like those on the B787.
Tell us your thoughts on the refitted Qantas A380 in the comment section below!
H/T: Executive Traveler
When will flight QF8 be getting the upgraded searing plan for business class?
Qantas rotate all A380 throughout their network. You simply can’t tell for sure until all A380 has been upgraded.
Boeing and Airbus build planes pushing for more duration, comfort, lower seat mile, and more which is great. But all that benefits are used to benefit the airlines at their bottom line but passengers comfort is compromised. Cheaper to run and lower maintenance all help the airlines but they want more at the expense of people in economy class. This is evident in every airline. So instead of cheaper airfares, we do not get that benefit, they keep going up. So currently, business, first class and premium economy enjoy better seats and more privacy etc. Normal economy gets the short end of the stick and have to suffer the cramp seating and sometimes hard seats which is ridiculous. So if you have the money, you get the benefit and more. If you are an economy then you sacrifice comfort and help the airline at their bottom line period. It never ends, the more they make the more more they want, greediness is the keyword.
Had been using 787 to London from Perth. Very enjoyable but cannot get return flights under $1800 for Nov return early Dec. It’s a pity when something is popular the price climbs. Oh well I’m back on Thai Airways
I hope they do the toilets up in economy they were disgusting when I flew to LA a few months ago.
Thai Airways is good Vicki. Try Vietnam Airlines too. Service is good.
I am booked to go to Melbourne and have purchased extra legroom seats in the upper deck economy. I believe these are being taken out during the refurb. Will Qantas know which aircraft will be scheduled on the 24 Dec so I know if these seats are still available