Qantas Airways to increase business class seats on Airbus A380s

Qantas Airways is set to revamp its Airbus A380 aircrafts cabins. The airline said that the overhaul is aimed at boosting the seating capacity in business class and premium economy. The airline further stated that it would at the same time remove some economy class seats as well. The revamp exercise is being undertaken to tackle the growing passenger demand for travel in premium cabins, particularly on flights to U.S., Europe and Asia.

Media reports said that the refitting of the new business class and premium economy cabins would start in the second quarter of 2019. The airline hopes that it would be able to equip all of its 12 Airbus A380 aircrafts with the new premium cabins by the end of 2020.

Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Airways, said, “The Airbus A380 aircrafts are greatly loved by the customers. Keeping the interests of customers as top priority the airline wanted to install next generation of premium economy and business class seats on A380s by making a huge investment in their upgrade. By investing in its products and services more often the airline wants to demonstrate that it remains way ahead in maintaining its status as one of the best airlines in the world.”

Joyce further stated that for quite some years now an increase in the demand for travel in business class and premium economy on long-haul routes being currently served by Airbus A380 aircrafts is being witnessed. Even most of the frequent flyers are also making use of their Qantas points for upgrade. The more the customers enjoy comfort and luxury of flying in new business class seats on A380s, it is strongly hoped that there would be increase in premium travel demand as well.

The revamp exercise will see Qantas Airways offering 14 First Suites and 70 Business Suites for premium customers. These would be in addition to 60 seats in premium economy and 341 seats in economy class. The airline will also be offering in-flight Wi-Fi services in the new Airbus A380 aircrafts cabins.