I went on British Airways' Airbus A320 planes before and after a major transformation. See how the old and new compare.

Pete Syme,Taylor RainsAug 24, 2024, 17:24 IST

A British Airways A320neo on display at the Farnborough Airshow.Pete Syme/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>British Airways is upgrading its short-haul cabins as part of a huge investment.</li><li>I flew on one of the older A320s, then toured a brand-new A320neo at the Farnborough Airshow.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-first-class-suite-review-photos-2023-7">British Airways</a> 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 <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-struggling-outsider-beating-boeing-737-max-a320neo-2024-1">A320neo</a> 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 in March.Pete Syme/Business Insider

A couple of months later, I flew on a British Airways A320 to experience the older cabin.

A view of the aisle on flight BA1437.Pete Syme/Business Insider

And at last month's Farnborough Airshow, I went on board one of BA's brand-new Airbus A320neos.

The A320neo, as seen from the jet stairs.Pete Syme/Business Insider

Stepping on board, I could smell the new leather.

Looking down the aisle of a British Airways A320neo.Pete Syme/Business Insider

In business class, or Club Europe, there are new tables in the middle seats.

The new and old business-class setups.Pete Syme/Business Insider

I thought the old cabin's all-black seats looked dull.

Rows of economy seats on a British Airways A320.Pete Syme/Business Insider

The new navy seats with red accents provide a needed dash of color.

Several rows of seats in the new BA cabin.Pete Syme/Business Insider

There was a small improvement in terms of legroom ...

A first-person view sitting in the new and old cabins.Pete Syme/Business Insider

... The new seatbacks have some more space carved out beneath the tray table.

The seatback of a new British Airways A320neo.Pete Syme/Business Insider

There are also conveniently placed USB-A and USB-C ports.

The charging ports on the new seatback.Pete Syme/Business Insider

I was especially pleased with this small change from the old A320.

The USB outlets on the old A320 cabin.Pete Syme/Business Insider

The headrests slide up and down as well as folding in at the sides.

The headrest is pictured at its highest configuration and with the sides folded.Pete Syme/Business Insider

Overall, I was impressed and I'm looking forward to hopefully experiencing the new version in flight.

The new A320neo looked more modern from every angle.Pete Syme/Business Insider

A handful of A320neos with the new cabins are already flying, but expect more soon.

The British Airways Airbus A320neo at the Farnborough Airshow.Pete Syme/Business Insider

Being from the UK, it makes me happy to see the flag carrier making improvements.

A British Airways Airbus A380.JoanValls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

I toured 3 one-bedroom apartments in Portland, Maine. It made me want to give up my NYC apartment.

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