By Summer 2026: Marabu gives its aircraft a unified interior

By Summer 2026: Marabu gives its aircraft a unified interior

Redesigned cabins, brighter lavatories and a consistent look for all nine aircraft

There is a sense of departure in the air at Son Sant Joan. Travelers wheel their suitcases past passport control, a cappuccino steams at the window table, and the usual passenger chorus can be heard from the loudspeakers: children, businesspeople with laptops and retirees with walking sticks. It is precisely for this mix that the Mallorcan airline Marabu has announced its modernization plans.

The core idea: all nine aircraft in the fleet should carry the same cabin design by mid-2026. The retrofit has already begun with an Airbus A320neo, which is already operating on some routes. Plans include new seats, new flooring and a revamp of the galleys and lavatories.

In short: the old Indigo seats are being replaced by grey, leather-look covers with stronger padding. In economy class the headrests will feature a small white Marabu logo. In business class the middle seats will remain free; the upholstery there is sand-coloured. Brighter lavatories with larger mirrors and a clear layout are intended to make the onboard experience more pleasant. Additionally, complimentary hygiene products specifically for women will be offered on all aircraft in the future.

Both appearance and practicality were considered: dark blue carpets with a subtle pattern element provide a calm overall impression. Newly designed galley areas promise to simplify crew workflows and thereby theoretically increase service speed. Privacy curtains will separate galley and cabin more distinctly, which many passengers on short holiday flights are likely to appreciate.

For Mallorca this has several effects. If travelers encounter a more modern interior as soon as they disembark, the image of the island as a hospitable destination is reinforced. Son Sant Joan is the island's showcase; small details like tidy galleys or more comfortable seats can convince regular guests to return. Taxi and bus drivers often tell me that satisfied guests praise more loudly than dissatisfied ones complain — good experiences multiply quickly.

The airline, which started operations only three years ago, currently flies routes such as Palma–Hamburg, Palma–Leipzig and Palma–Nuremberg. At the same time it is increasingly taking on duties for a larger sister airline on routes like Berlin–Hurghada. A uniform cabin helps sharpen the brand image and standardize procedures. It's easier for crews and more predictable for passengers.

Of course there are questions: How long do the retrofit works take per aircraft? Will there be impacts on flight schedules when planes are in the workshop? Who assumes warranty and service for the new components? These details are handled internally by the airline; for outsiders the important thing is to know that the first modernized A320neo is already in service during normal operations.

Especially in the coming months it will become clear how well the changes are received. Observing the departure hall on a Saturday afternoon shows how sensitive travelers are to comfort. A freshly covered seat, brighter lavatory lighting, a tidy service area — it all adds up.

The upgrade can be helpful for the island's economy: better passenger reviews can boost bookings, and local service providers benefit from stable flight connections during the high season. Craft businesses and suppliers involved in the retrofit have short-term work. In the long run, a reliable, consistent appearance strengthens the competitiveness of smaller airlines that use Palma as a hub.

If you board a Marabu aircraft in the coming months, you can therefore expect more comfort. Tip for locals: look for the small white logo on the headrest during boarding — a small detail that shows how much emphasis aviation here places on quality. And if you're curious, you can test the changed cabin feel yourself on your next trip to the airport.

I will follow up later to see how the fleet looks as it gradually adopts the new livery. For now: a small gift to passengers — in time for the summer season.