Lufthansa to modernise A380 Business Class with new premium seats

Germany

All eight Airbus A380s to receive upgraded Business Class cabins as part of Lufthansa’s largest fleet renewal programme

Lufthansa is moving ahead with the modernisation of its long-haul fleet, launching a comprehensive retrofit programme that will see its Airbus A380 aircraft equipped with a new Business Class cabin. The work will begin in early February at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, marking the start of one of the most extensive cabin upgrade initiatives in the airline’s history.

As part of the programme, all eight Airbus A380s in Lufthansa’s fleet will be fitted with new Business Class seats, enhancing comfort and privacy on board the airline’s largest aircraft. Further retrofits across the long-haul fleet, including the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900, will follow in close succession.

New Business Class standard on the A380

The upgraded A380 Business Class will feature seats from manufacturer Thompson, each offering direct aisle access. With a seat width of 58 centimetres, a bed length of at least two metres, Bluetooth connectivity and flexible privacy partitions, the new product is designed to significantly raise the onboard premium experience.

Lufthansa benefits from an existing certification for the new cabin, allowing the retrofit to proceed without lengthy approval processes. As a result, passengers are expected to experience the new Business Class on the A380 within a short timeframe.

Focus on customer experience in Munich

“Lufthansa operates the only strong A380 fleet in the EU, stationed at our five-star airport,” said Heiko Reitz, Hub Manager Munich at Lufthansa Airlines. “The retrofit underscores our commitment to providing a top flight experience on the long-haul aircraft that is so popular with our customers. The new premium seats offer more privacy and significantly more comfort than before. We look forward to offering our passengers this enhanced travel experience in Business Class starting in April.”

Once completed, each Airbus A380 will feature 68 new Business Class seats. The aircraft will also continue to offer eight First Class seats, 52 seats in Premium Economy and 371 seats in Economy, maintaining its status as the largest long-haul aircraft in Lufthansa’s fleet.

Retrofit timeline through 2027

In addition to the cabin upgrade, the A380s will undergo routine maintenance during their stay at Elbe Flugzeugwerke. The first aircraft, “Mike-Charly”, is scheduled to return to Munich in April and re-enter regular service shortly thereafter.

Lufthansa expects the retrofit of all eight A380 aircraft to be completed by mid-2027, further reinforcing the airline’s long-haul offering with modernised cabins and a renewed focus on premium comfort.