Airbus has just unveiled a pretty jaw-dropping first class cabin concept, designed specifically for the A350-1000. However, will any airline actually ever introduce this?
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Airbus’ incredible A350-1000 first class suite concept
At the Aircraft Interiors Expo, Airbus has revealed a new first class cabin concept, developed by the company’s in-house design team, specifically for the Airbus A350-1000. This is a cabin in a 1-1-1 layout, and the highlight of this is called the First Class Master Suite, which is located in the center of the cabin, between two aisles, and can accommodate two passengers.
This first class suite features a dedicated lavatory, changing area, bar, and double bed. The idea is that the suite features a large couch and ottoman, and that can then be reclined to create a bed. Given the lack of windows, the center suite has cool lighting features, so that the private space can be transformed to feel like it’s day or night.
While Airbus hasn’t said much about the two suites at the windows, presumably they’d be more in line with traditional first class suites.
Obviously anyone can create an image of an amazing looking first class product, but Airbus is highlighting the economics and logistics. The idea is that the floor space that was previously taken up with lavatories and storage would be relocated outside the main revenue area (passenger accommodation), in a new center module, just behind the first set of doors, opposite the cockpit door. Furthermore, the access stairs for the pilot crew rest compartment would be relocated, to maximize ceiling height in the suite.
So, why does Airbus even create concepts like this, when it’s unlikely any airline will introduce such a product? As it’s described, the aim is to “inspire potential customers and to demonstrate how the new centre module realises a true first class cabin that can be accommodated in the flagship A350-1000.” Airbus also welcomes feedback from customers to further shape the vision of the concept.
Why this first class suite concept isn’t practical
We are increasingly seeing airlines move to a 1-1-1 layout in first class, especially on the Airbus A350. For example, Japan Airlines’ A350-1000 first class is in that configuration, and Qantas’ A350-1000 first class is also expected to have such a layout.
For that matter, Lufthansa’s new Allegris A350-900 first class is in a 1-1-1 layout, and is a similar general concept to what Airbus is proposing, with a center suite that can accommodate two people. Of course it goes without saying that this Airbus prototype looks way better.
However, I just don’t buy the concept of these double suites, and I don’t think they make much commercial sense:
- At the the end of the day, creating a wide double suite comes at the expense of offering a great first class suite along the windows, since it’s a zero sum game in terms of how you utilize cabin width
- It just doesn’t make sense to have one-third of first class suites exclusively be able to accommodate couples; sure, there will be demand for that on some flights, but it’s really hard to manage inventory and maximize revenue for such a setup
- This concept only works for a cabin with one row of first class seats, and not for a cabin with two rows of first class seats, given that the features are largely about efficiently utilizing space at the very front of the cabin
If you ask me, the real area for innovation would be creating an A350-1000 first class product where you have individual suites that can somehow connect to form a larger space. That would give airlines valuable flexibility to sell the seats individually, while also allowing pairs to travel together in those suites, should they want to. Presumably this would need to be a product with at least two rows, so that seats behind one another can combine in some sort of way.
Bottom line
Airbus has unveiled a new first class concept designed specifically for the A350-1000. It’s called the First Class Master Suite, and the intent is that space can be utilized more efficiently so that there’s a double suite in the center of the first row of the cabin.
What do you make of Airbus’ A350 First Class Master Suite concept?
I disagree. First should be more unique and rare. Maximal one row and four pax. This cabin suite concept of Airbus, LH, EK and similar airlines is the future of premium travel. The cattles should fly business class.
The target audience seems to be people who want to fly private but there's just the two of them and/or the flight exceeds the range an appropriately sized jet. In that case or where complete privacy once onboard is paramount this sort of arrangement would be compelling.
Is the privacy compared to more traditional offerings like La Premiere that are targeting the same customers enough that it makes economic sense is the question. But what's...
The target audience seems to be people who want to fly private but there's just the two of them and/or the flight exceeds the range an appropriately sized jet. In that case or where complete privacy once onboard is paramount this sort of arrangement would be compelling.
Is the privacy compared to more traditional offerings like La Premiere that are targeting the same customers enough that it makes economic sense is the question. But what's clearly on both airlines and manufacturers mind exploring the market segment where this matters. No wonder given even moderate sized jets run $10,000/hr while those capable of transoceanic travel are 2-5 times that and are wildly oversized for one person or a couple. So if an airline determines it otherwise isn't routinely able to sell more than 3 seats in First Class at full fare I can see how this could be attractive to them.
Going private is wildly more expensive, not as spacious and can't fly the route nonstop. On the other hand the passenger gets to fly when they want to and directly to their destination even when that and/or their origin aren't major hubs.
I can imagine there are quite a few public figures who are wealthy but not wealthy enough that they don't think twice, or can't afford, a quarter million dollars or more to hop of to Europe but want to be completely away from other passengers prying eyes, even if those are just a couple of other First Class passengers.
What's more mysterious to me is why AF could not find a mechanized way to lower the center partition of the center seats (resp. elevate the chaise longue above the partition when extended to bed) so that the suite can cater to both doubles and solos.
The tech exists, Singapore used it. Why did Air France consider it impractical ?
I wonder if this is insight from returning F customers. When asked of they...
What's more mysterious to me is why AF could not find a mechanized way to lower the center partition of the center seats (resp. elevate the chaise longue above the partition when extended to bed) so that the suite can cater to both doubles and solos.
The tech exists, Singapore used it. Why did Air France consider it impractical ?
I wonder if this is insight from returning F customers. When asked of they prefer 2 single beds or a 150cm double bed, I would assume someone making enough money to shell out 40k for airfare on any regular basis is not really interested if the bed is not king sized.
Isn’t the combination of 1A/3A to form a double suite what SQ did years ago on the A380 while still maintaining the flexibility to sell both independently?
Yes CBK, as do EY, we have tried both and quite like both for slightly different reasons. However, the SQ A380 is the most practical for us to depart from LHR to SIN nonstop.
The AF B777 New La Premiere suite might change all that.
Fifteen years ago we were hearing how first class was going the way of the dodo, yet it's had a resurgence and is now more spacious, comfortable, and expensive than ever. I think this Airbus concept could work. All you need is are routes with enough customers willing to part with the cash to make it viable. Installing super-deluxe cabins and filling them with redemptions, upgrades, and staff on ID90 tickets won't cut it. Air...
Fifteen years ago we were hearing how first class was going the way of the dodo, yet it's had a resurgence and is now more spacious, comfortable, and expensive than ever. I think this Airbus concept could work. All you need is are routes with enough customers willing to part with the cash to make it viable. Installing super-deluxe cabins and filling them with redemptions, upgrades, and staff on ID90 tickets won't cut it. Air France and a couple of others have realised this, which is why the bar for first class redemptions is set so high.
One might want to enquire as to how popular the EY Residence is before making the same mistake again.
Having flown the EY A380, twice in F, the Residence was unoccupied on both occasions.
Talking to others about it, their experience was the same, no one has been aware of it being occupied.
All who have actually seen the bed arrangement agree that one sided access is not worth considering.
The...
One might want to enquire as to how popular the EY Residence is before making the same mistake again.
Having flown the EY A380, twice in F, the Residence was unoccupied on both occasions.
Talking to others about it, their experience was the same, no one has been aware of it being occupied.
All who have actually seen the bed arrangement agree that one sided access is not worth considering.
The AF New La Premiere configuration, plus the other operators who offer a combined configuration are possibly correct.
Where is the dedicated lavatory? All I can see from the top view render is an empty space behind the frosted glass divider.
I was thinking of LH's double suite and I really struggle to find a senario that you would want to be two in the middle suite vs two in business class. MAYBE if it was two for one. Even my kids would rather have each a screen in J than to be squeezed in F.
But I agree with you Ben that if two normal suites could be combined then it would be great. You...
I was thinking of LH's double suite and I really struggle to find a senario that you would want to be two in the middle suite vs two in business class. MAYBE if it was two for one. Even my kids would rather have each a screen in J than to be squeezed in F.
But I agree with you Ben that if two normal suites could be combined then it would be great. You would not feel like you are giving up anything, but actually getting a bonus "couple" experience.
The sad fact is that the double suite in J is a better solution for couples than the F double suite...
“Master” suite or bedroom terminology is offensive because of the master/slave duality.
It is only offensive to those who are inclined to look for any excuse to challenge the English language.
@AeroB13a
That description literally fits your current status.
@Davis
The English language is blessed (or some might say cursed) with words that have multiple meanings. In most cases the meaning of the word is easily determined from the context. I suggest you worry about more pressing issues, and if you are looking for some just look towards the nation's capital.
I disagree and think Airbus should do the exact opposite . That double suite already in service with Lufthansa allegris needs to have the world’s most wafer thin privacy wall installed so they can fly 4 solo passengers when necessary.
I like your idea of combined suites in F. Isn’t that one of the design concepts that CX is considering for their new F?
The couple that inaugurates this suite will live on in legend.
Shiny and chrome on the mile high road ;)
Unrelated to this, @Ben, but I traveled with AV yesterday and toothpaste made a glorious return to their amenity kits! (I know how worried you were about this, LOL)
Why do you say Air France in Para 1? Getting your French mixed up??
@ PDS -- Hah, fixed, thank you! Airbus, not Air France. :p
Ben's still getting over his La Premiere hangover lol