British Airways to upgrade 747 fleet

British Airways stated (04-Sep-2014) some of its Boeing 747 fleet are to receive a cabin refresh including a new IFE system. 18 selected 747s will be installed with Panasonic's eX3 entertainment system from Aug-2014. British Airways IFE and technology manager Richard D'Cruze said: "We know that in-flight entertainment is really important to our customers - being able to relax and watch a film or listen to music helps customers to pass the time enjoyably - so by installing this state-of-the-art equipment we will be able to deliver even more programming on board." The refit, which will be carried out by British Airways' engineers in Cardiff, will include a cabin interior refresh bringing these 747s more in line with the airline's newest aircraft. New seat foams will be installed in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus and new style seat covers fitted to improve appearance and match those on the A380 and 787. Carpets and curtains throughout the aircraft will also be replaced to the new aircraft colour pallet. Aircraft cabin interiors manager Kathryn Doyle said: "Our customers love our new aircraft, and we wanted to refresh the 747s in line with them as we know the aircraft has a special place in the heart of many of our customers. These aircraft will get some well deserved TLC and the improvements will be really noticeable to our frequent fliers." [more - original PR]