British Airways confirms Airbus A380 retrofit program starting second half of 2025

IAG stated, "rebuilding and renewing [its] fleet" will account for about half of its projected gross capital expenditure of €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) in 2025. This investment also covers retrofits for Airbus A350 family aircraft across group airlines and includes delivery of several new aircraft types: four A320neos, two A321neos, five A321XLRs, and one A350-900. In the first half of this year, IAG received 13 new aircraft and began retrofitting Boeing 787s.

The refurbishment project for British Airways’ Airbus A380s aims primarily to enhance the first class experience. According to aeroLOPA data, each aircraft currently seats 469 passengers across four classes. The new first class seats are planned to be larger—79 inches long and 36.5 inches wide—with a 32-inch screen and mood lighting options. Passengers will also benefit from added privacy thanks to "a cocooned 60-inch curved wall" that "still provides a spacious environment." BA describes the design as combining "elegant design features, reflective of modern British luxury travel," developed with input from manufacturers throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

The overall layout after retrofit is expected to shift toward more premium seating while reducing total capacity—a response both to operational needs due to the size of the A380 and growing demand for premium cabins on long-haul routes until new aircraft arrive (https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a380-british-airways-comeback-explained/). Reports suggest there will be either 12 or 14 first class seats, 110 Club World business class seats (featuring larger Club Suites with direct aisle access), 84 World Traveller Plus premium economy seats, and 215 World Traveller economy seats—bringing total capacity down from 469 to between 421 and 423 seats.

A main reason for lowering capacity is installing Club Suites in business class cabins; these offer a lower-density configuration compared with previous layouts and ensure all business passengers have direct aisle access.

IAG’s investment reflects an ongoing effort by British Airways not only to improve passenger comfort but also maintain competitiveness among full-service carriers based at London Heathrow and Gatwick airports since its founding in 1974 under CEO Sean Doyle.

"rebuilding and renewing [its] fleet" will account for around half of its gross capital expenditure of €3.7 billion ($4.2 billion) in 2025," IAG said regarding its broader fleet strategy.

"the product will 'combine elegant design features, reflective of modern British luxury travel,' with 'manufacturers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland' consulted," according to British Airways.