Lufthansa to modernise Business Class on its largest aircraft.
Lufthansa has begun on the most ambitious fleet renewal initiative in its history, combining large scale aircraft refurbishment with a full update of cabin interiors across its long-haul fleet. As part of this program, the airline will introduce new seats across all travel classes on its Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Beginning in February, Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden will outfit the Airbus A380-800 with new Business Class seats as part of a scheme known in the aviation industry as a “retrofit.” Additional aircraft in Lufthansa’s existing fleet will undergo similar improvements in fast succession.
Thompson, a manufacturer, will supply Business Class seats for the A380. Each seat will have direct aisle access and offer a seat width of 58 cm, a bed length of at least two meters, Bluetooth connectivity, and movable dividers, giving both comfort and privacy at a new premium level.Lufthansa
Lufthansa will benefit from an existing certification for the new cabin layout, minimising the need for a long clearance process. This will allow guests to sample the enhanced Business Class onboard Lufthansa’s A380 within weeks of completion.
Heiko Reitz, Hub Manager Munich, Lufthansa Airlines, “Lufthansa operates the only strong A380 fleet in the EU, stationed at our 5-star airport. The refurbishment demonstrates our dedication to giving our clients an exceptional long-haul flying experience. The new premium chairs are much more comfortable and provide greater privacy than the previous models. We look forward to delivering our passengers an upgraded travel experience in Business Class commencing in April.”
Once the update is complete, each A380 will contain 68 Business Class seats, plus eight First Class seats, 52 Premium Economy seats and 371 Economy Class seats, making it the largest long-haul aircraft in Lufthansa’s fleet.
During the aircraft’s stay in Dresden, standard maintenance inspections will be performed in addition to the cabin renovation. The first modified A380 is anticipated to return to Munich in April and enter regular service shortly thereafter. Lufthansa anticipates all eight A380 aircraft to be fully modified by mid-2027.
