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A three-quarters view of a British Airways A320neo at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
A British Airways A320neo on display at the Farnborough Airshow.

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  • British Airways is upgrading its short-haul cabins as part of a huge investment.
  • I flew on one of the older A320s, then toured a brand-new A320neo at the Farnborough Airshow.
  • The new color scheme is sleek and modern while the passenger experience is improved too.

British Airways is spending $9 billion to lift its reputation after years of slumping popularity.

When the two-year program was announced at a March press event, the most prominent change was new seats for its short-haul aircraft.

I flew on one of its older A320s in May so I could envisage the upgrade. Then, I had the chance to see on board one of BA's brand-new A320neo jets at the Farnborough Airshow.

I was impressed by how modern it looks with a sleek navy-and-red color scheme. USB-C ports positioned on the seatbacks are also far more convenient than the old layout.

Here's what British Airways' old and new short-haul cabins are like.

In March, British Airways unveiled a new short-haul cabin as part of a $9 billion transformation.
British Airways' mockup short-haul cabin includes four rows of three seats in a new navy and red design.
British Airways' mockup short-haul cabin in March.

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It also announced an overhaul of its glitchy app and website, a new first-class on the Airbus A380, and free on-board WiFi for loyalty members.

British Airways is spending $9 billion to help make it the world's favorite airline once again after years of slumping popularity

A couple of months later, I flew on a British Airways A320 to experience the older cabin.
A view of the aisle of a British Airways Airbus A320.
A view of the aisle on flight BA1437.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

My flight from Edinburgh to London was definitely better than a budget airline, but the plane's interior felt dated.

I flew on a British Airways Airbus A320 for $195. It's definitely better than flying budget, but I can see why the airline is spending $9 billion on upgrades.

And at last month's Farnborough Airshow, I went on board one of BA's brand-new Airbus A320neos.
Looking from the jet stairs at the side of a British Airways A320neo at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
The A320neo, as seen from the jet stairs.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

2024 was the British flag carrier's first time exhibiting at the Farnborough Airshow.

Stepping on board, I could smell the new leather.
A view down the aisle of a British Airways A320neo with the new cabin that has navy and red seats, at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
Looking down the aisle of a British Airways A320neo.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

This jet only entered service on July 19 — three days before the airshow started.

In business class, or Club Europe, there are new tables in the middle seats.
A collage of the new and old business class seats on British Airways' narrowbody planes, seen on an A320neo at the 224 Farnborough Airshow and during an A320 flight.
The new and old business-class setups.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Most European airlines have this setup for short-haul business class. There's slightly more legroom, but the main benefit is the soft product with complimentary food and drinks.

US airlines are starting to take note of this, like Spirit's upcoming "Go Comfy" option.

I thought the old cabin's all-black seats looked dull.
Rows of economy seats on a British Airways A320, May 2024.
Rows of economy seats on a British Airways A320.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Maintaining dark colors on the new cabin means it's likely to age better than bright seats.

The new navy seats with red accents provide a needed dash of color.
Several rows of seats in British Airways' new cabin on an A320neo, at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
Several rows of seats in the new BA cabin.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It looked far more up-to-date, especially with the chevron pattern.

There was a small improvement in terms of legroom ...
A collage showing the legroom on board British Airways' new and old A320 cabins.
A first-person view sitting in the new and old cabins.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I'm 5-foot-9 and felt a bit cramped when I flew on the old A320. I sat in row 25, where the pitch — the distance between the same spot on a seat and the one in front — is 29 inches, per AeroLopa.

That's an inch less than ultra-low-cost carrier Ryanair.

... The new seatbacks have some more space carved out beneath the tray table.
The seat back of the new British Airways A320neo cabin, at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
The seatback of a new British Airways A320neo.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It's not hugely noticeable, but it adds to the comfort.

There are also conveniently placed USB-A and USB-C ports.
A closeup of the USB-C port on British Airways' new A320neo cabin, at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
The charging ports on the new seatback.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Since iPhones now come with USB-C charging cables, these newer ports are becoming more common — improving the passenger experience.

I was especially pleased with this small change from the old A320.
Two USB sockets with one in use viewed on a British Airways Airbus A320.
The USB outlets on the old A320 cabin.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It might seem a minor detail, but the old A320's USB-A ports are between the seats and near the floor.

During my flight, it was a bit irritating when my neighbor had to bend down and lean over to charge his phone. It also looked uncomfortable.

The headrests slide up and down as well as folding in at the sides.
The adjustable headrest in navy with red accents on British Airways' new A320neo cabin, at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
The headrest is pictured at its highest configuration and with the sides folded.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

This feature makes a return from the current cabin.

Overall, I was impressed and I'm looking forward to hopefully experiencing the new version in flight.
Looking at the seatbacks of several rows on a British Airways A320neo, at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
The new A320neo looked more modern from every angle.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Having been on board, it made me more willing to pay extra to fly short-haul with BA instead of a budget airline, although there aren't many jets with the new cabin yet.

A handful of A320neos with the new cabins are already flying, but expect more soon.
A side view of a British Airways A320neo at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow
The British Airways Airbus A320neo at the Farnborough Airshow.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Based on data from Ch-aviation, there are five active A320neos with the new cabin and another 14 on order. The next one is scheduled for delivery in September.

Being from the UK, it makes me happy to see the flag carrier making improvements.
A British Airways plane flying across a blue sky with the trail of a smaller plane visible in the far distance.
A British Airways Airbus A380.

JoanValls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

British Airways was named the world's best airline by Skytrax in 2006, but it hasn't reached the same heights since.

Modernization will also come from retrofitting new business-class suites on the Airbus A380.

The new seats are a more tangible improvement, but smaller things like a new app show there's more to come from the $9 billion plan.

I flew on British Airways' Club Suite from New York to London. It's a huge improvement from the carrier's old and cramped business class seat.

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I went on British Airways' Airbus A320 planes before and after a major transfor…