Aircraft Interiors eXpo 2024 - Interiors Upgrades news

SWISS chooses Airspace L-Bins retrofit for its in-service A320 Family fleet

Following the launch selection last year of the Airspace L-Bin retrofit programme with Lufthansa and Iberia, three more airlines – SWISS and two undisclosed customers have selected the upgrade. SWISS will equip three A320s and five A321s with the new L-Bins.

Manufactured by EFW, L-Bins are the simplest and most cost-effective solution for A320 Family operators to increase the overhead cabin bag space which they can offer to their passengers – with up to 60 percent more capacity.

As more and more airlines grow their fleets with brand new A320s, fitted from the factory with large Airspace XL Bins, Airbus retrofit L-Bins solution is coming at the right time – allowing these operators to update their in-service single-aisle fleets with higher capacity overhead storage as in their new aircraft. 

Airbus secures THAI A320 cabin retrofit deal – first in Asia-Pacific region

Thai Airways International (THAI) has selected Airbus to retrofit its fleet of 20 A320ceo aircraft with reclining business class seats, marking the Airbus’ first-ever cabin retrofit for a single-aisle fleet in the Asia-Pacific region. These aircraft, which recently entered THAI’s fleet following the integration of its former subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways, are being upgraded to the latest in terms of passenger experience and comfort. Under this agreement, Airbus Services will oversee the installation of 12 Business Class seats on each A320ceo.

Featuring a backrest that reclines up to eight inches, these seats will offer passengers a relaxed sitting position. The retrofitting project is slated to commence by the end of the year. Upon completion, the A320s will transition to a two-class configuration, comprising 12 Business Class and 144 Economy Class seats, delivering an enhanced travel experience across all cabin classes. This transformation of these aircraft marks a change from their previous all-Economy Class configuration, which accommodated between 168 to 174 passengers.

China Airlines selects Airbus for A350 cabin interior retrofit

Airbus has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Taiwan’s China Airlines to retrofit the airline’s A350 cabins with a new layout and state-of-the-art amenities. Under this agreement, Airbus Services will oversee the installation of China Airlines’ latest Premium Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats on its fleet of 15 A350-900s. The suite of upgrades covering seating in all classes, in-flight entertainment and connectivity, and the cabin environment, will enhance the competitiveness of China Airlines through a more comfortable traveller experience and high-quality service. As of April 2024, China Airlines operates 15 A350-900s, 18 A330-300s and 12 A321neos.