In May 2023, Saudia unveiled plans to introduce an all-new business class product on 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 the first of these planes has just been delivered. Not only is the A321XLR an exciting new plane for the airline, but it also features a new business class product for the airline.
In this post:
Saudia’s Airbus A321XLRs feature 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 has just taken delivery of its first of these planes, which has the registration code HZ-ASBA.
Saudia intends to use these planes for destinations across Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa, including cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Milan, Rome, Dakar, and the Maldives. The plane is expected to enter service as of early June 2026, and AeroRoutes has the details of the initial routes that will be served by the aircraft, as they’re on sale.
What’s interesting is just how premium the layout on these planes is. 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 new Airbus A321XLRs? The airline is introducing 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 next generation 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 has started taking delivery of Airbus A321XLRs, as the airline has 15 of these on order. The planes will all be configured with 144 seats, including 24 business class seats and 120 economy class seats.
When it comes to passenger experience, Saudia is introducing the 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?
@Heath for the winning comment. It's true, no matter how many bells and whistles are included, it's still a narrow body on a long haul. Fine for short hauls, but anything longer than 4 hours is debatable. The element of overall cabin 'space' (as opposed to your 'personal space' around your seat), is something which is highly appreciated by those of us who started flying in 'tiny' 707s but have since moved onto better, bigger...
@Heath for the winning comment. It's true, no matter how many bells and whistles are included, it's still a narrow body on a long haul. Fine for short hauls, but anything longer than 4 hours is debatable. The element of overall cabin 'space' (as opposed to your 'personal space' around your seat), is something which is highly appreciated by those of us who started flying in 'tiny' 707s but have since moved onto better, bigger aircraft..I have no wish to return to small cabins on long hauls.
Flew an A321 with lie flats MLE-DOH in early '23 on Qatar. Haven't seen anything about them on this site. One off?
That would be have been an A320 ceo, Qatar have 10 configured with flat beds, they've had that configuration for years.
And Ben reviewed it back in 2018
A long haul flight on a single aisle plane still gives me chills despite luxurious seating options - and only for those in business class! An airline can provide every conceivable luxury, but the fact remains that it will be an aviation equivalent of a road trip in a cramped sports car rather than a spacious SUV. This shift to single-aisle planes might pad airline bottom lines, but it forces travelers to pay premium prices for a highly compromised environment.
"luxury" = comfort , wine , "The New Yorker" , and cigars . Available only at home .
Both of you obviously haven't flown DC-8 707 or Concorde.
"but it forces travelers to pay premium prices for a highly compromised environment."
no it doesn't. Take the connection on a wide body if you prefer it. You aren't forced to do anything but you are a minority preferring a connection over a nonstop enabled by this type of aircraft
Why is this seat "exciting" for a shitty Middle Eastern airline, but contemptible for AA or UA?
@ Aliana -- I don't think I said the seat was "exciting." Instead, I said the plane is exciting for the airline, which is the same thing I said when American took delivery of it.
Allana ... The seat is absurdly tight and twisted , and cannot ever be "exciting" .
1 lav for 24 business class passengers, plus the crew? Given how many Saudi passengers change clothes before arrival, this doesn't look great
Just booked MAD-JED for November. It’s clearly the new product looking at the seat map, although it’s only shown as A321 (nothing to currently distinguish it from standard A321) in the aircraft type. I was able to select 1L for free and I hope they don’t change their minds and decide to bounce me off at some point!
The seats look squeezed in and twisted around . I'd rather lay on a soft floor .
You can, while you're praying to Mecca !
..lol
You don’t lay while praying.
My apologies for my liberal interpretation of the word ... /s