A380 Retrofit: Lufthansa modernizes Business Class of its largest aircraft

• All eight Airbus A380s will be equipped with new premium seats in Business Class

• The retrofit will take place at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden

• The program will begin in early February with the A380 “Mike-Charly”

Lufthansa invests in the most extensive fleet renewal in its history and simultaneously modernizes the cabin interiors of its largest aircraft. Among other upgrades, the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900 will receive new seats across all classes. For the launch of this conversion program, referred to as “Retrofit” in aviation, the popular Airbus A380-800 will be equipped with new Business Class seats starting in February at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden. Further retrofits of the existing fleet will follow in close succession.

The A380 will feature Business Class seats from manufacturer Thompson. 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 flexible partitions, providing both comfort and privacy at a new premium level.

Lufthansa can rely on an existing certification for this cabin upgrade, eliminating the need for a lengthy approval process. As a result, passengers will be able to enjoy the new Business Class onboard Lufthansa’s A380 within just a few weeks.

Heiko Reitz, Hub Manager Munich, Lufthansa Airlines:
“Lufthansa operates the only strong A380 fleet in the EU, stationed at our 5-star airport. 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.”

Overall, the A380 will soon feature 68 new Business Class seats. In addition, with eight First Class seats, 52 seats in Premium Economy, and 371 seats in Economy, the A380 is the largest long-haul aircraft in Lufthansa’s fleet.

In addition to the extensive retrofit, routine maintenance work will also be carried out on the A380 aircraft during their stay at Elbe Flugzeugwerke. After completing the checks, the first aircraft is scheduled to return to Munich in April this year and will be deployed in regular service. By mid-2027, all eight A380s are expected to be fully retrofitted.