Airlines love business class, and British Airways’ latest updates to its Airbus A380s are proof.
This week, the airline unveiled a major overhaul to the interiors of its superjumbos, including what it says is the world’s largest business-class cabin, with over 100 suites spanning the double-decker jet’s upper floor.
“This is the largest single investment that any airline has ever made in reconfiguring an aircraft, stretching from nose to tail and touching every single aspect of the experience on board,” CEO Sean Doyle said at a media event, which Business Insider attended.
Over 35,000 individual parts are installed on each aircraft as part of the retrofit, which includes new galleys and staircases, British Airways said.
While the A380 has fallen out of favor with many airlines since the pandemic, it still plays a key role in British Airways’ fleet. The flag carrier has 12 such airplanes — the second most behind Emirates.
“You’re going to see a glimpse into the future of long-haul air travel on British Airways, and it represents the investment we’ve been making in our premium experience, and the A380 is one of our flagships in demonstrating our commitment to that mission,” Doyle said.
British Airways is making a rare bet on the A380.
Airbus stopped making the A380 in 2021, as many carriers retired their superjumbo jets to save costs during the pandemic.
However, its enormous size allows space for extra features and plush first-class suites.
Although the aircraft type is expected to stop flying by 2040, British Airways is spending millions retrofitting its A380s as its most opulent offering.
British Airways previously unveiled its luxurious first-class suite in 2024.
“Our ambition throughout this whole transformation journey is to take British Airways to the next level and to make it really special,” Calum Laming, chief customer officer, said during British Airways’ first-class suite reveal in 2024.
While most US airlines have cut first class, European carriers have been investing in extra luxury.
At the time, British Airways said it was set to debut in mid-2026, but this has been pushed back and could slip into next year.
The airline says its retrofitted A380 is expected to debut “in the coming months.”
First-class passengers have their own selection of snacks inside their suite.
This includes peppermints, chips, chocolate bars, and hydration sachets from ViDrate.
And they get amenity kits made by Swaine, a luxury British brand established in 1750.
The kits are available in blue or cream, and contain a selection of skincare products from Wildsmith, including a face mist, hand and body lotion, ceramide multi-balm, lip balm, and face cream.
It launched in early October for first-class passengers on all British Airways’ outbound long-haul flights.
The new business-class suites match the same modern color palette.
British Airways also said it includes added storage space, informed by customer feedback.
Business class, or Club World, will occupy the entire upper deck, with 106 seats.
It reflects travelers’ growing willingness to pay extra for luxury experiences since the pandemic — especially among wealthy American passengers.
The cabin also has its own snack station, called the Club Kitchen.
Passengers will be able to get drinks and snacks, like popcorn and chips. British Airways also said there will be “dedicated dwell areas” to encourage people to move freely throughout the airplane.
Downstairs, the updated A380 will include 84 premium-economy seats.
They will come with brand-new bedding and pillows.
The seats feature privacy wings, too.
Passengers will receive a reusable amenity kit that’s designed as a tote bag for onward travel, featuring a Dr.PAWPAW moisturizing balm and more.
Plus, there are bigger screens in coach.
British Airways says economy passengers will also get upgraded bedding and pillows with more filling than before.
The seats are wider as well.
Passengers will also get blankets designed for added warmth and comfort.
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