Qantas reveals upgraded Airbus A380 cabin features

By October 4, 2019 April 24th, 2020 Design, Featured

Qantas has revealed the latest features onboard its upgraded Airbus A380 aircraft, the first of its 12 A380 aircraft to be refurbished.

As part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade, all 12 of the carrier’s A380s will be refurbished, aiming to provide more premium seats and higher levels of comfort for passengers. The airline expects to complete the refurbishment of all remaining 11 aircraft by the end of 2020.

With enhancements to the aircraft’s upper deck lounge and premium cabins, the capacity of Qantas’ A380s after the upgrade will see First Suites remain at 14 (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.

“Australians are used to flying long haul and we know it’s important to make the journey comfortable,” commented Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce, who also said the upgrade would benefit customers in all cabins. He added: “We’re very proud to showcase the best of Australian design, wine and food on these services which will provide a step change in comfort.”

Australian designer David Caon has transformed the aircraft’s upper deck lounge which has also been significantly expanded, now featuring seating for 10 people on deep green leather couches with wood panelled walls.

The Caon-designed Premium Economy seat, which debuted on the airline’s Dreamliner fleet, also features as part of the upgrade. The airline said smarter use of space on the A380 has allowed Qantas to increase the number of Premium Economy seats from 35 to 60.

The Qantas Business Suite has replaced the Skybed, providing direct aisle access for every passenger.

In total there is a 27% boost to premium seats, which Qantas argues improves the economics of the aircraft and allows it to respond to growing demand on long-haul flights.

Qantas A380 upgrade

With the introduction of the upgraded A380, the airline has rolled out several improvements for passengers in the First cabin including a refresh of the First Suite with new contoured cushioning and higher resolution entertainment screen.

Redesigned Martin Grant sleeper suits will be introduced in dark charcoal with a Henley neckline and burgundy trim, from November.

Passengers will also enjoy new amenity kits in First, including socks made from bamboo cotton, as well as new skin care products from the Australian brand LaGaia Unedited, launching onboard in November, featuring a Qantas-signature Australian native scent of lemon myrtle and geranium in a facial mist, along with a moisturizer and lip balm.

LaGaia Unedited products will also be stocked in the First lavatories and from late November, the products will move into Qantas’ Sydney and Melbourne First Lounge spa facilities.

In the redesigned upper deck lounge, First and Business Class passengers will be able to order from a range of bespoke snacks and light meals. Options include dry laska goreng with fishcakes and seared prawns to mushroom arancini in a tomato ragu as part of custom-designed menus for each route.

Qantas upper aircraft lounge A380

The lounge also features a new self service bar, where passengers will be able to order signature cocktails including an Australian Negroni with mountain pepper and river mint, as well as the Qantas signature gin and tonic with pink grapefruit.

The airline’s A380 will also feature a larger dedicated Premium Economy cabin, including a self-service bar.

Image: Qantas’ A380 First
Collage 1- Top left: Qantas A380 Premium Economy; bottom left: Qantas A380 Economy; right: Qantas A380 Business.
Collage 2 – Images of the Qantas A380 aircraft lounge.

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