First pictures as refreshed Qantas A380 takes to the skies

Qantas says its long-awaited and overdue A380 refresh will help improve the economics of the four-engine superjumbos while delivering a new level of comfort to passengers. The first aircraft to emerge from the program, VH-OQK, will operate as QF2 from London to Sydney via Singapore and arrive in Australia on October 2. SEE largest Concorde model takes to the skies The multi-million-dollar revamp comes as airlines such as Air France and Lufthansa are retiring their A380s rather than go through the costly process of refurbishing them. Despite its popularity with passengers, deliveries of the A380 are due to end in 2021 after the giant plane lost the efficiency battle against new twin-engine aircraft. Qantas decided some time ago against expanding its A380 fleet and is looking at potential replacements such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X.

However, it has signaled that it intends to keep the flagship aircraft for the foreseeable future. “The A380 is a crucial part of our long-haul fleet and this upgrade program will see customers enjoy everything the aircraft has to offer for years to come,” Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said. “It also provides an increase in business and premium economy seating to help match the demand we’re seeing on our long-haul routes.

“Working with Airbus, we’ve been able to use the cabin space more efficiently and improve the economics of the aircraft while also providing a better experience in every part of the aircraft.” The new configuration sees the number of First Suites stay the same at 14, 70 business suites (up by six), 60 premium economy seats (up by 25) and 341 economy seats (down by 30). The total seat count increases by one to 485.

The biggest change in the revamp is the replacement of aging business class seats with the Qantas Business Suite in a 1-2-1 configuration. This gives all business class customers direct aisle access and is a boost in terms of comfort and storage. There is also an expanded lounge with seating for up to 10 business and first passengers.

The premium economy seating has been upgraded and is now the same as on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner while First has been refreshed with new contoured cushioning, seat finishing a bigger, higher-resolution video screen.

Economy passengers get a new color palette and improved inflight entertainment. Each aircraft takes about eight weeks to upgrade and Qantas expects to complete the refurbishment by the end of 2020.