Premium airline products have come a long way, and they just keep getting better. Over the years, we’ve seen business class seats transform from being recliners, to being angled flat, to being fully flat, to having direct aisle access, to having doors. Some of today’s business class suites are better than first class was a couple of decades ago.
What’s exciting for consumers is that airlines continue to try to outdo one another, so every time we think business class can’t get any better, an airline surprises us. While I keep a list of the world’s best business class airlines, in this post I thought it would be fun to take a look at the new business class products that are due to be introduced (I wrote a similar post about new first class products).
Let me share the ones that I’m aware of below, and I’ll do so in chronological order, of when they’re expected to be introduced (roughly, because these timelines are always subject to change). As you’ll see, in some cases these are products where we know the exact details, while in other cases little has been revealed.
In this post:
New Emirates business class (A350 & 777)
While Emirates is known for being a world class airline, the carrier has historically lagged with its Boeing 777 business class, which on most jets is in a 2-3-2 configuration, with angled seats. Fortunately this is expected to change soon. The airline has started retrofitting its 777s with a new business class, and the first plane should enter service in August 2024. On top of that, in November 2024, we’ll see Emirates start flights with Airbus A350s, and those should feature a new product as well.
What should we expect from Emirates’ new business class? The carrier has been tight-lipped, but we do know that the seats are being produced by Safran. Unfortunately it’s sounding increasingly like the new product will just be an updated version of the carrier’s A380 business class. That’s a perfectly fine product, but hardly cutting edge, especially when you consider that it’s just newly being introduced.
New Cathay Pacific Aria Suites business class (777)
Cathay Pacific will soon be introducing its new Aria Suites business class on existing Boeing 777-300ERs, and the first jet is expected to enter service in the coming months. The plan is for 777-300ERs to be reconfigured with this product, and then for newly delivered 777-9s to feature this in the future.
The seats appear to be the AIRTEK product from JPA Design, so Cathay Pacific will be the launch customer for this seat. This is a reverse herringbone product with doors, and with greatly improved tech. It should represent a nice improvement for Cathay Pacific’s tired 777s.
New Malaysia Airlines business class (A330 & A350)
In the next several weeks, Malaysia Airlines will be taking delivery of its first A330-900neo, which is also where Malaysia Airlines’ new business class will debut. This will also be installed on existing A350s as of 2026, at least based on current plans.
Malaysia Airlines will be installing reverse herringbone seats with doors, in the form of the Collins Aerospace Elevation product. This is similar to what you’ll find in British Airways’ Club Suites, as well as in Etihad’s A350 business class.
New Iberia business class (A321XLR)
Iberia is the global launch customer for the Airbus A321XLR, which is an exciting new long range, narrow body aircraft. As you’d expect, many airlines will be introducing new business class seats on these new narrow body planes, in comparison to existing wide body planes.
Iberia plans to introduce herringbone seats on these aircraft, similar to JetBlue Mint Suites, and comparable to what American also has planned for these jets.
New American Flagship Suites business class (787 & A321XLR)
In the coming months, American will be taking delivery of its next batch of Boeing 787s, which will be in an ultra-premium layout, with just 244 seats. These planes will also sport American’s new Flagship Suites business class, along with a new front-row Flagship Suite Preferred seat. American selected a customized version of the Adient Aerospace Ascent seat, featuring direct aisle access and doors.
This should be a great upgrade to the passenger experience, especially when you consider how big the business class cabin will be. American will also eventually retrofit 777-300ERs with this new product.
Separately, American is working on a new Airbus A321XLR business class product, which will be used primarily for transcon and transatlantic flights. This will be very similar to JetBlue Mint Suites, and will likely debut in 2026.
New Turkish Airlines Crystal business class (777 & A350)
Turkish Airlines has a really inconsistent long haul business class hard product, and on many aircraft it’s quite lackluster. Fortunately that will be changing soon, as the airline intends to introduce its new Crystal business class product.
This new product features direct aisle access from all seats, privacy doors, much improved technology, and more. We can expect existing Boeing 777s to be reconfigured with this product, and then we can also expect newly delivered Airbus A350s as of 2026 to get this product.
New Air New Zealand business class (787)
At some point in 2025, Air New Zealand will be taking delivery of new Boeing 787s, featuring the carrier’s all-new business class product. I’ve gotta say, at least based on the renderings, this is the most disappointing new business class product that’s in the process of being introduced.
This is a herringbone product (meaning window seats face toward the aisle), and the seats don’t have doors. It’s definitely an improvement over the carrier’s current lackluster product, but that’s about it.
New Air India business class (A350 & 777)
Air India is in the process of reinventing itself, and as part of that, the airline is introducing a new first and business class product. This is expected to be installed on newly delivered Airbus A350s, and also reconfigured on existing Boeing 777s. The exact timeline remains to be seen, but at this point it seems most likely that the first jet with new interiors will enter service at some point in 2025.
Air India’s new business class represents a massive improvement, as the airline will be installing the Safran Unity product, a staggered configuration with direct aisle access and doors. This will be in a completely different league than what the airline is currently offering.
New SWISS Senses business class (A350, 777 & A330)
SWISS is introducing its own version of Lufthansa Allegris, which will be known as SWISS Senses. This includes a new first and business class product, which will be the same as Lufthansa’s, except with different finishes.
We should first see this product on newly delivered Airbus A350s as of 2025, though existing Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s are also expected to be reconfigured with these cabins.
New Qatar Airways Qsuite Next Gen business class (777-9)
Qatar Airways is known for its amazing Qsuites business class. While definitely more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, Qatar Airways plans to introduce Qsuite Next Gen on its upcoming Boeing 777-9 deliveries. The new product is more spacious, features better technology, and has more customization options, especially for pairs and families traveling together.
The challenge is that the 777-9 has been delayed significantly in terms of entry into service. At this point the plane will enter service in late 2025 at the earliest, but more likely than not, in 2026.
New Qantas business class (A350)
In early 2026, Qantas plans to launch Project Sunrise flights, whereby the airline will fly nonstop from Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London, which will be the world’s longest flights. The airline will be introducing a new passenger experience on these aircraft, which will include a new business class cabin.
Qantas has selected the Safran Unity product for business class, which is a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, with direct aisle access from every seat, as well as doors. This should be a very comfortable ride for the long flights these planes will operate.
New LOT Polish Airlines business class (787)
While we’ll have to be patient, LOT Polish Airlines plans to refresh its Boeing 787 business class. Between late 2026 and 2030, the Dreamliner fleet is getting a full update, with business class seating being Recaro’s CL6720 product.
This is a fairly new product that recently debuted on both Air China and Iberia, and it’s a very competitive seat. Expect greatly updated tech on these jets, as well as Wi-Fi. This represents a massive improvement over the current business class experience.
New United Polaris business class (787 & A321XLR)
There are few firm details as of now, but we know that United plans to introduce two new Polaris business class products. For one, United is expected to introduce a new wide body business class with doors at every seat, though we don’t know much about the timeline.
The more concrete plans are that we know United will introduce a new business class on its Airbus A321XLRs, which will be used primarily for transatlantic flights. Much like American’s version of these jets, we can expect herringbone seats with direct aisle access and doors.
New Singapore Airlines business class (777-9)
Singapore Airlines is expected to introduce a new passenger experience on its Boeing 777-9s, of which the airline has 31 on order. These planes were initially supposed to be delivered in 2020, but have now been delayed until at least late 2025.
We know nothing about the new business class that Singapore Airlines will introduce on this plane, though I expect that it’s going to be really impressive. It should be way better than the current 777 business class. With what a world class airline Singapore Airlines is, I’m kind of surprised the airline hasn’t introduced a new business class prior to this (very delayed) aircraft.
Bottom line
There are quite a few new business class products on the horizon, with a large number expected to be introduced in the coming year. Some of these have been teased for years, while others we know very little about. It’s especially exciting to see airlines with uncompetitive products suddenly become really competitive.
Which new business class product are you most excited about?
Though it may not be cutting-edge, I have always had the best sleep in the Emirates A380 biz seat with its unconstrained leg room. I hope there are no “enhancements” in the next generation that take this roominess away - such as doors that only serve to make seats narrower to provide unnecessary extra privacy.
That Iberia seat looks awful, almost like a coffin.
I count on SQ to introduce a competitive hard product. Otherwise, a lot of airlines have finally realised that they have to up their game.
SQ is very much on the back foot, and a commenter on Mainly Miles, a Singaporean blog, posted (regarding QR’s Qsuite Next Gen unveil) that SQ is stubbornly hedging its hopes and hinging on an aircraft that’s no better than vapourware. Can’t say I disagree with them. ‘Welcome to World Class’ this is not!
It seems the only airlines that can do worse than SQ in terms of a new product rollout are LH Allegris...
SQ is very much on the back foot, and a commenter on Mainly Miles, a Singaporean blog, posted (regarding QR’s Qsuite Next Gen unveil) that SQ is stubbornly hedging its hopes and hinging on an aircraft that’s no better than vapourware. Can’t say I disagree with them. ‘Welcome to World Class’ this is not!
It seems the only airlines that can do worse than SQ in terms of a new product rollout are LH Allegris and EK’s Game Changer F — and at least the former has finally seen the light of day. But Goh Choon Phong, the understated leader that he his, may finally have a problem that’s too much for him to handle (other than SQ321, that is): all while JAL, EVA and Starlux are breathing down SQ’s neck, and eve MH next door. Doesn’t look very good for the World’s Best Airline 2023, eh? No wonder QR stole back that title in 2024...
I’m not surprised that Emirates isn’t pushing the envelope with its new business class product, though it’s definitely an improvement over their current angled business class product. Emirates marketing creates a significant halo effect from their first class product (images of shower spas and exclusive Dom Perignon probably fill the minds of more than a few people booking in business or economy) and the fabulous excess of Dubai. Indeed, their business class product only needs...
I’m not surprised that Emirates isn’t pushing the envelope with its new business class product, though it’s definitely an improvement over their current angled business class product. Emirates marketing creates a significant halo effect from their first class product (images of shower spas and exclusive Dom Perignon probably fill the minds of more than a few people booking in business or economy) and the fabulous excess of Dubai. Indeed, their business class product only needs to be competitive, not leading edge, because Emirates most valuable product is simply nonstop access to Dubai from a huge number of cities and one-stop connections between many unique city pairs. It’s a bit like British Airways: their most valuable offering doesn’t have to be any innovative hard product or inflight service, but merely convenient nonstop access to London Heathrow.
Ironically QR, which is so extravagantly, outrageously extraordinary in J, has always taken EK’s just-better-than-nothing approach in F so far — but we’ll see what the new first-class product on the 777X looks like. QR is increasingly making both EK and SQ look like laughing-stocks.* Not to mention EY is right back into the action as well, with the revival of its A380, the phenomenal A350-1000 and the new 787 product.
*Passengers from Kathmandu, Dhaka...
Ironically QR, which is so extravagantly, outrageously extraordinary in J, has always taken EK’s just-better-than-nothing approach in F so far — but we’ll see what the new first-class product on the 777X looks like. QR is increasingly making both EK and SQ look like laughing-stocks.* Not to mention EY is right back into the action as well, with the revival of its A380, the phenomenal A350-1000 and the new 787 product.
*Passengers from Kathmandu, Dhaka and Colombo, who are subjected to ancient A330-300s more often than not, will most likely not experience any of QR’s Qsuite innovation — and the same goes for anyone who’s been swapped from a Qsuite-equipped 777 to an old recliner 777. QR has a long way to go in terms of fleet commonality and consistency.
It’s telling, to say the very least, that none of the airlines in this list are as tight-lipped about their upcoming premium products as SQ. With every other airline we know either the manufacturer or the name of the product, or both, and often the configuration. Goh Choon Phong and co. must be seething with anger with the big reveals that QR and TK (not to mention KE) have done over the past week. It’s...
It’s telling, to say the very least, that none of the airlines in this list are as tight-lipped about their upcoming premium products as SQ. With every other airline we know either the manufacturer or the name of the product, or both, and often the configuration. Goh Choon Phong and co. must be seething with anger with the big reveals that QR and TK (not to mention KE) have done over the past week. It’s sad to see just how much ground SQ has lost, and to QR in particular, while it stubbornly refuses to retrofit any of its planes with a new premium product.
And I agree with Mike O., too, in the sense that JAL and ANA show no signs of fitting their 787s with their new best premium products, either.
Lol all 7 ULRs are undergoing maintenance now and they still choose to not retrofit with the new cabin. I'm sure there's more to it but that would have been perfect timing given the 777-9 delays
The NH B777 & JL A350 seats are too wide for 787s (same issue w/ QSuites). But agree that the industry is in need of an eye-catching product designed for the narrow 787s.
@Vincent
They could just stick with their staggered and herringbone product respectively and build on that. Improve their finishes to match their latest suites, tech, storage, comfort and add a door like everybody else. That's all you need really. The 787 is not their flagship a/c for them so you don't really need anything fancy. But it's definitely time to ditch their cradle seats as it was the first product for the 787 when...
@Vincent
They could just stick with their staggered and herringbone product respectively and build on that. Improve their finishes to match their latest suites, tech, storage, comfort and add a door like everybody else. That's all you need really. The 787 is not their flagship a/c for them so you don't really need anything fancy. But it's definitely time to ditch their cradle seats as it was the first product for the 787 when they first took delivery more than a decade ago.
Is Austrian in the pipeline for a flavor of the Allegris seat as well?
Are we also not awaiting a new Biz seat from Air Canada? If I recall they said a new “ warmer” palette of colours was being planned for their A321XLR and 787-10 launch.
I believe EVA Air was going to announce a new business class seat that coincides with future 787-9 deliveries, but not sure if that timeline has slipped or cancelled
Cathay's Aria seat is NOT Airtek. Jonny Clark had guessed so, and he was the one who started this rumor, but it turned out to be a heavily customized version of Collins Elements.
https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2023/09/cathays-business-class-seat-tease-spurs-big-interest-from-travelers/
Even Jonny Clark later admitted it's likely to be Collins.
https://thedesignair.net/2024/03/11/cathay-reveals-more-details-regarding-aria-suite-hinting-now-towards-collins-elements-product/
There are so many parts on Aria Suite shared with the Elements seat on Starlux A350. Especially the movable/extendable armrest is a unique feature of Elements.
...Cathay's Aria seat is NOT Airtek. Jonny Clark had guessed so, and he was the one who started this rumor, but it turned out to be a heavily customized version of Collins Elements.
https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2023/09/cathays-business-class-seat-tease-spurs-big-interest-from-travelers/
Even Jonny Clark later admitted it's likely to be Collins.
https://thedesignair.net/2024/03/11/cathay-reveals-more-details-regarding-aria-suite-hinting-now-towards-collins-elements-product/
There are so many parts on Aria Suite shared with the Elements seat on Starlux A350. Especially the movable/extendable armrest is a unique feature of Elements.
Also, JPA's Airtek seat is intended to be an ultra-lightweight product with very basic features. It won't have a leg rest, or an armrest with a fancy kinematics like Elements. And the development of this seat is not going well.
It's likely that they both collaborated and JPA designed the product, while Collins manufactured the product. Their first generation Cirrus was designed by JPA from the ground up while Zodiac (now Safran) manufactured the product.
I bet JPA just worked on the customization design of Collins Elements for Cathay.
JPA is capable of designing a new product from scratch, but they also do a lot of branding and customization of existing platforms for airlines.
I see a lot of components from Cathay's Aria Suites shared with Elements. The armrest, console area, tray table, sidewall for window seats.. Those are all crucial in commonality of a product platform.
...
I bet JPA just worked on the customization design of Collins Elements for Cathay.
JPA is capable of designing a new product from scratch, but they also do a lot of branding and customization of existing platforms for airlines.
I see a lot of components from Cathay's Aria Suites shared with Elements. The armrest, console area, tray table, sidewall for window seats.. Those are all crucial in commonality of a product platform.
If it really were Airtek, there's no reason to share so many elements with the Collins seat. They'd better just take the existing platform and do some customization.
JAL and ANA are past due for a new product aside from SQ. JAL just placed an additional order for 20 789s and their current product(s) just doesn't cut it anymore. And they really need a consistent configuration.
As for SQ, with practically every airline in the industry having suites with doors and much improved tech, their product is way out of date. You would think that the ULR would be the perfect a/c to showcase what they come up with.
"You would think that the ULR would be the perfect a/c to showcase what they come up with"
How would they "showcase it," using an aircraft that only flies to 3 markets on the planet, all in the same country?
That's about the worst aircraft they can debut anything on, in terms of network visibility.