Last edit by: Globaliser
In April 2018 BA announced that they had started a programme to refurbish the cabins on the Mid-J 747-400 fleet. In January 2020, this programme was completed.
As part of the refurbishment all of the aircraft involved have undergone a basic refresh which consisted of:
* Full aircraft deep clean
* Seats in WT/WTP refurbished with new seat foams and cushions as on Super Hi-J aircraft
9 of the aircraft received an ENHANCED refurbishment to bring the cabin up to the same standard as the Super Hi-J 747-400 fleet. This consisted of what is listed above plus:
* New carpets fitted throughout
* All curtains replaced
* New Panasonic IFE fitted in all classes
Note: It was initially believed that the enhanced refurbishment included LED mood lighting throughout, but this is not the case. All retained standard lighting. There were no plans to install WiFi to any Mid-J configured 747-400 aircraft.
Note: Aircraft that have undergone an ENHANCED refurbishment are shown in red
Aircraft are listed below in the order that they were refurbished and show return to service date, along with retirement date where applicable.
G-CIVU - 11 October 2019
G-BNLY - 24 November 2019
Mid-J 747 Cabin Refresh
#46
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This is what also surprises me. I can't understand how it would be technically sensible to have two parallel IFE systems on board one aircraft. Yet the BA Source was specific that the new IFE had been fitted to G-CIVM, and it would make sense that she should be one of the 9 as she is one of the youngest mid-Js.
#47
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#48
Join Date: Sep 2013
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There will likely be a significant weight saving from converting to Panasonic throughout too. Lighter weight monitors and in-seat hardware, and the servers/controllers will be lighter too - no spinning disks on the Panasonic gear, it's all SSD.
#49
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The BA Source is seeking confirmation on this, currently saying:-
British Airways B747-400 G-CIVM Returns from Cardiff Maintenance.
... we have had reports both that the aircraft has been fitted with Panasonic IFE and that it hasnt and are awaiting confirmation.
... we have had reports both that the aircraft has been fitted with Panasonic IFE and that it hasnt and are awaiting confirmation.
#51
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From an FT perspective:
- we know for sure (if you believe @jk156, which I do) that it hasn't got the upgraded IFE in CW
- we have no reports from anyone having flown it in Y/W
As such the assumption must be that it hasn't had the IFE upgrade at all.
- we know for sure (if you believe @jk156, which I do) that it hasn't got the upgraded IFE in CW
- we have no reports from anyone having flown it in Y/W
As such the assumption must be that it hasn't had the IFE upgrade at all.
#53
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 159
They may have had a deep clean and it's possible that CW seat covers are new, but otherwise the CW cabin still looks far more tired than those 744s that have been fully spruced up. The lighting has not been updated and the rest of the seat 'hardware' was tatty in places where I was sat. Having flown out to SFO on a super-hi J (CIVW) just a few days before experiencing the 'refurbished' CIVM, there is still a pronounced gulf between the two finishes.
#54
Join Date: Dec 2009
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My understanding is that it would likely be the A350-1000, though it's not clear what BA will do if they intend to continue with a second flight and it is a reduction in seat capacity. Maybe a 788/789 for a second flight? I'm guessing PHX will be one of the last 747 52J routes given the hot climate and moderately higher altitude compared to other routes.
#55
Join Date: Apr 2010
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I keep hoping BA will order some 747-8 but I know the chances are near zero sadly. Given how poor the A380 is with cargo that's not an option (and PHX really would need major changes to support an A380).
My understanding is that it would likely be the A350-1000, though it's not clear what BA will do if they intend to continue with a second flight and it is a reduction in seat capacity. Maybe a 788/789 for a second flight? I'm guessing PHX will be one of the last 747 52J routes given the hot climate and moderately higher altitude compared to other routes.
PHX seems to be the route receiving the least love.
H
#56
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
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Posts: 2,644
From an FT perspective:
- we know for sure (if you believe @jk156, which I do) that it hasn't got the upgraded IFE in CW
- we have no reports from anyone having flown it in Y/W
As such the assumption must be that it hasn't had the IFE upgrade at all.
- we know for sure (if you believe @jk156, which I do) that it hasn't got the upgraded IFE in CW
- we have no reports from anyone having flown it in Y/W
As such the assumption must be that it hasn't had the IFE upgrade at all.
#57
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Posts: 3,011
It has received the new catering style and new bedding earlier than most routes, it has the second flight a few days per week in the summer, and the lounge did receive a much needed refresh. While nothing amazing, it's received more love lately than many other routes. And of course it has the special OTP fare.
#59
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 5,380
Looks like then that this is not one of the 9 which are receiving the Panasonic IFE.