Photo: Lufthansa Lufthansa has announced the largest fleet modernization in its history, which will give its long-haul aircraft a major refresh both inside and out. According to the plan, the airline’s Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900 planes will receive brand new seats across all classes, while the Airbus A380-800 will be the first to see a cabin overhaul starting this February at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden. The process, known in aviation as a “retrofit,” will then gradually extend to the rest of the fleet in the upcoming months.
The A380’s new Business Class seats, provided by Thompson, will set a new standard for comfort and privacy, each offering direct aisle access, a generous width (58 centimeters), and a fully flat bed at least two meters long. Bluetooth connectivity and flexible partitions will enable passengers to stay connected and enjoy personal space, whether working or resting.
Photo: LufthansaThe good news is that Lufthansa already holds the necessary certification for this cabin configuration, so it will not have to spend time on the lengthy approval process. In other words, travelers can expect to experience the upgraded Business Class in just a few weeks, rather than waiting months.
Heiko Reitz, Hub Manager Munich for Lufthansa Airlines, explained:
"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."
Photo: LufthansaThe A380 will eventually offer 68 Business Class seats, eight First Class seats, 52 in Premium Economy, and 371 in Economy, making it Lufthansa’s largest long-haul aircraft in terms of capacity.
While the cabin retrofit is the main focus, the aircraft will also undergo routine maintenance and checks during its stay at Elbe Flugzeugwerke. After inspection, the first A380 will return to Munich in April and enter regular service immediately. Lufthansa plans to have all eight of its A380s fully retrofitted by mid-2027, ensuring a consistent and upgraded experience across its entire fleet.
Frequent flyers can interpret the changes as a clear signal that the airline is investing not just in its aircraft but also in the passenger experience, blending cutting-edge comfort with the reliability the airline is known for.