Airlines

Why Qatar Airways retiring Airbus A380 Superjumbos? Here is the Reason.

Qatar Airways has announced that it will retire its fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos once deliveries of more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the A350, commence.

CEO Akbar al-Baker said in a press conference at the Paris Air Show that the A380s were unexpectedly pressed back into service in November 2021 as a stop-gap measure to help deal with increasing demand when nearly half of Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 fleet was grounded due to allegations of fuselage degradation. The A380s had initially been earmarked for retirement as the pandemic took hold.

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It turned out to be an unexpected comeback for a jet whose outspoken CEO Akbar Al Baker once described his purchase of the Superjumbos as “the biggest mistake” in the airline’s history.

One of the main reasons is that Qatar Airways wants to retire the A380 as soon as possible, because of its remarkable dedication to sustainability and the need to reduce its carbon footprint. With the airline’s forward-thinking strategy, CEO Al Baker has openly emphasized the significance of moving away from quad-engined aircraft, citing their higher fuel consumption and emissions as compared to modern, more eco-friendly alternatives.

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Qatar Airways is currently operating eight out of its ten A380s, with no intentions to restart the remaining two. The only thing holding the carrier back right now is the airline industry’s overall supply chain constraints.

Except for the ex-Cathay Pacific aircraft, the A380 is also the only mainline aircraft in the fleet of Qatar Airways that has an onboard bar and a real First Class cabin. Naturally, Qatar Airways has stated that an international First Class has no future and will be phased out along with the A380, exactly as it has done with the A380.

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Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.