Airbus announced the signing of three agreements to renew the aircraft interiors for SWISS International Airlines, Thai Airways, and China Airlines. The agreements were made during the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 in Hamburg (AIX).
The airlines have agreed with the manufacturer to modernize their fleets of the A320 family for SWISS and Thai Airways, and the A350 for China Airlines.
Airbus also confirmed that two undisclosed customers selected Airspace L-Bins upgrades during AIX.
New Interiors for SWISS
The agreement with SWISS International Airlines includes modernizing the passenger cabins of three Airbus A320 and five A321 aircraft. The new interiors will feature Airspace L-Bins, which provide 60% more capacity for storing passengers’ carry-on luggage.
Airbus stated in a press release: “Manufactured by EFW, L-Bins are the simplest and most cost-effective solution for A320 family operators to increase cabin luggage space.”
SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group, which had previously signed an agreement with Airbus to install L-Bins in the Lufthansa fleet. Work on the German company’s aircraft will begin in 2025.
Agreement with Thai Airways
Airbus will renovate the interiors of the A320ceo aircraft from Thai Airways’ defunct low-cost subsidiary, Thai Smiles. The European manufacturer will install new business class seats to standardize the cabin configuration with the rest of the A320 fleet.
The ex-Thai Smile A320ceos will be the first aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region to undergo interior refurbishment by Airbus. Once renewed, the passenger cabin will feature 12 business class seats and 144 economy class seats.
Retrofit work is expected to begin at the end of this year.
A350-900 of China Airlines
China Airlines and Airbus have signed a letter of intent to renovate the interiors of 15 A350-900XWB aircraft. Following the modifications, the passenger cabin will have a new layout and enhanced amenities.
The China Airlines A350-900 will feature Business Premium, Economy Premium, and Economy class seats. Additionally, they will have a new in-flight entertainment system and full connectivity.
Cristina Aguilar, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Airbus, said: “We are honored to have been chosen by China Airlines to modernize their A350 fleet. The airline’s existing layout was already one of the most luxurious in the industry, and we are delighted to support China Airlines in taking it to the next level.”
