A380 to offer new retail channel

Gavin Lipsith

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The long-awaited aircraft could feature a seat-back shopping channel as well as onboard outlets, according to manufacturer Airbus

The Airbus A380 will be better than originally planned when it is finally launched. A380 product marketing director Keith Stonestreet delivered the optimistic message at the Middle East Duty Free Association conference in Dubai, and offered more clues about the aircraft’s retail potential.

Among the innovations on board the wide-bodied craft is an improved inflight entertainment (IFE) system, which could offer some interesting retail opportunities, said Stonestreet. “We have upgraded the IFE system, installing a fibre-optic backbone along the length of the aircraft allowing for greater bandwidth throughout the plane. Don’t be surprised to see a shopping channel on the A380.”

Responding to a question on retail space, Stonestreet said that at least one carrier had expressed an interest in opening stores on board the A380. He explained that there are several large spaces on the aircraft that can only be used for facilities, not for seating. “We have built these into the design to ensure we offer customers a new experience,” he said.