British Airways is set to refresh up to 18 of its fleet of 46 strong 747-400s. Apart from a refresh to the cabin, these 747s will have the latest generation Panasonic eX3 inflight entertainment system installed. The new system will provide more than 130 movies and 400 TV programmes on larger, hi-resolution screens, capable of touch and swipe gestures, giving the system the familiar feel of using a tablet. Given its lightweight design the system helps to save the amount of fuel used by the aircraft.

The upgrade includes installing universal power sockets to all seats in the World Traveller Plus Premium Economy cabin. The World Traveller Economy cabin passengers will have USB sockets at their seat.

Richard D’Cruze, In-flight Entertainment and Technology Manager, 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 cabin refresh will bring these aircraft in line with BA’s newer aircraft such as the 787 and A380. This will include new seat  foams in the World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins, along with new carpets and curtains. Kathryn Doyle, Aircraft Cabin Interiors Manager, 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.”

The refit will be carried out by British Airways’ engineers at the carrier’s facilities in Cardiff, Wales. The year-long installation programme will begin in August 2015 on 18 of BA’s Boeing 747 aircraft, which will be among the last to retire. The work will commence in August 2015 and is expected to take approximately one year.