In May 2023, Saudia unveiled plans to introduce an all-new business class product on its upcoming Airbus A321XLRs. At the time, the plan was for those planes to be delivered in 2024, though that timeline ended up being pushed back by a couple of years, given overall A321XLR delays.
There’s now an interesting update, as we’re just months from these planes debuting. Not only is the A321XLR an exciting new plane for the airline, but it’ll also feature a new business class product for the airline.
In this post:
Saudia’s Airbus A321XLRs will have just 144 seats
Saudia has 15 Airbus A321XLRs on order, which is Airbus’ new long haul narrow body jet. The plane is the same size as the standard A321, but with impressive range improvements, as it can travel up to 4,700 nautical miles.
Saudia intends to use these planes for destinations across Europe, the Indian subcontinental, and Africa, including cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Milan, Rome, Dakar, and the Maldives. The plane is now expected to enter service as of May 2026, and AeroRoutes has the details of the initial routes that will be served by the aircraft, as they’re now on sale.
What’s interesting is just how premium the layout on these planes will be. Saudia is configuring its A321XLRs with just 144 seats, including 24 business class seats and 120 economy class seats. So this is the most premium A321XLR layout you’ll find on any airline, and among A321s, it’s most comparable to the layout you’ll find on JetBlue’s A321LRs, which feature 138 seats (24 business class seats and 114 economy seats).
Saudia installing VantageSOLO seats on Airbus A321XLRs
So, what business class seats can we expect on Saudia’s upcoming Airbus A321XLRs? The airline plans to introduce the Thompson VantageSOLO product on these planes. These seats are fully flat and feature direct aisle access.
Saudia hasn’t shared too many specific details about the new product otherwise, though you can find some pictures below.
It’s nice to see Saudia investing in its premium cabin product. It was only in 2018 that the airline started to install flat beds on narrow body aircraft, as the airline introduced the Collins Aerospace Diamond seat on A320s. Now we’re seeing the airline significantly improve its product.
Saudia’s new business class product should look familiar, as the VantageSOLO seat is emerging as the most common next generation narrow body flat bed seat. For example, it’s what JetBlue has as its Mint business class product on all A321LRs and select A321neos. So you can expect the product to more or less be identical, except with customized finishes.
It’s worth highlighting that the cabin mockup that Saudia is using for its new business class cabin is of the bulkhead seat, which features a lot more space. JetBlue markets this as the Mint Studio, given how spacious the seat is, and it costs extra to assign the seat. So think of it as more of a “business class plus” product.
The standard business class seats, known as Mint Suites, are still great, though not quite as spacious.
This is a solid product, given the flat beds and direct aisle access. That being said, I think most travelers prefer reverse herringbone seats (facing the windows) rather than herringbone seats (facing the aisle). So far, we’ve seen two airlines introduce reverse herringbone seats in business class on A321-family aircraft. Specifically, you’ll find these kinds of seats on ITA Airways’ A321neos, as well as on Etihad Airways’ A321LRs.
Bottom line
Saudia will soon start taking delivery of Airbus A321XLRs, as the airline has 15 of these on order. The planes will be configured with 144 seats, including 24 business class seats and 120 economy class seats.
When it comes to passenger experience, Saudia will introduce VantageSOLO seats on these planes. This is similar to the product you’ll find on JetBlue’s newest planes, with fully flat seats featuring direct aisle access. While not the most exciting business class product in the world, it will set the new standard for Saudia’s narrow body fleet, which is positive.
What do you make of Saudia’s new A321XLR business class?
I would go to Saudi Arabia in a heartbeat. They are like that east side of town getting gentrified trying to turn into a Dubai.
Actually D3SW, by western standards many areas of The Kingdom, were “Gentrified” a few decades ago. What is happening now in some limited locations, is they are trying to attract the Cancún crowd’s dollars before the oil revenues run out.
Regardless of KSA commentary, I just wanna repeat that any and all ‘premium’ airlines, globally, but also, US Big-3, should have narrow-body lie-flat business class for flights 5+ hours especially red-eyes, if they really want to be considered ‘premium.’ Recliners aren’t good enough. Intra-Europe or LATAM 3-3 blocked middle is laughable as ‘Business’ or ‘Premium Economy.’ And free, reliable WiFi for all passengers. Get on it.
I find this hard to believe ninetyFordBen, but I actually agree with you for once and cannot think of anything contradictory to add.
Happy New Year …..
Those seats will be perfect for Saudia’s male flight attendants to lounge in as they expect their female colleagues to take care of them.
I’ve heard the final design for these A321 XLR with Saudia will be significantly different than the above renders from ATM two years ago. Excited to see how they’ll stand out on their narrow body JC offering and the wide body offering set to debut next year with the new 787s and retrofit they announced. All eyes on KSA right now.
Really, ‘all eyes on KSA’? Pft. Yeah, everyone look-y at the oil theocratic oligarchy, attempting to diversify into luxury tourism. It’s the Maldives with oil and without atolls, and also no alcohol (unless your on resorts, because, there’s an exception for… reasons). Yippie!
Crazy that United and Delta still don't have a product equivalent for the transcon flights, but American and Saudia are flying them.
Transcon is the only route I still fly on AA primarily because of it.
American JUST started flying its a321XLR; they had the a321T with 1-1 and 2-2 lie-flat, United and Delta have had 757 with 2-2 lie-flat for ages. JetBlue has had both older Mint a321 and neo with 2-2, 1-1 ‘thone’ swats, and newer Mint on XLR with 1-1 lie-flat. That’s it as far as I’m aware in the US-based narrow-body lie-flat market. In terms of premium seats and food, think B6 Mint exceeds expectations, especially over mere recliners on the Big-3.
You certainly are excelling yourself tonight nineteen, your knowledge base appears to be as extensive as Ben’s …. YES?
@Ben when will you fly Saudia again? It has improved significantly since the last time you reviewed it.
@ Josh -- I hope to do a bit of a Saudi Arabia aviation tour once Riyadh Air takes delivery of its first 787-9 with the new product, so will also incorporate Saudia flights. I've heard good things recently.
Jumping to conclusions upon viewing cabin mockups might not be a sensible idea. I would prefer to wait until the actual cabin installation is completed.
I do note however that the windows do not appear to be obstructed by seat paraphernalia, etc. Other airlines might take note. Only time will tell of course.
@ AeroB14a -- What conclusions am I jumping to in this post, given that I've flown this product on JetBlue?
Ben, please be advised that my comment was not aimed at you specifically. The post is more inclined towards the proletariat ‘x-perts’, who only know their domestic products.
Please be assured that if I felt it necessary to pose a question, etc, to you, then I would offer you the courtesy of using your name …. Happy Boxing Day, now back to your boys …. :-)
Since the plan seems to be to replace 787s with this on many routes, I view it as a noticeable downgrade. Just flew CDG-JED-MLE - all on 787s - with them in business and it’s a very solid product. An aisle-facing narrow body isn’t that appealing in comparison.