The coming year will be anything but 'business as usual' as far as aviation is concerned.
That's because some of the most renowned airlines are introducing brand new business class suites, in many cases equipped with shiny new aircraft. Here, respected frequent flyer website www.headforpoints.com presents the 10 new business class suites that flyers can most look forward to.
Rhys Jones, who helped compile the information, told MailOnline Travel: 'Airlines around the world are rushing to introduce new business class seats as 2024 becomes the year air passenger numbers return to pre-Covid levels. crisis recovers (and even surpasses).
“These seats will largely be introduced in next-generation aircraft. Thanks to improved cabin environments – with higher humidity and lower cabin pressure altitude – they should ensure that you get from A to B in the most stylish and comfortable way.
'Ten years on since the announcement of the first business class suites with fully closing doors, they are now almost standard. Only three seats in our roundup do not have this coveted privacy feature.” Read on for the full list…
American Airlines – Flagship Suite
American Airlines introduces two new business class suites, launching in 2024 on new deliveries of the 787-9 Dreamliner (above four images) and single-aisle Airbus A321XLR
US airlines, headforpoints.com notes, introduces not one, but two new business class seats – both called the Flagship Suite.
The site explains that they will be introduced this year on new deliveries of the 787-9 Dreamliner and the single-aisle Airbus A321XLR.
Functions? “(They will) tout privacy doors, more personal storage and chaise lounge seating,” says headforpoints.com.
This image shows the new AA business class suite on the single-aisle Airbus A321XLR
Something else? A few things, with the site adding that the Dreamliner suite will have wood-effect doors, marble-effect tables and a pop of color via a red literature bag.
Were excited. And that includes the insider at American Airlines – the world's largest airline by fleet size – who told us he had a sneak peek at the suite, and it's “fantastic.”
Air India
Air India's new business class seat will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration
Air India's new business class seat, headforpoints.com notes, will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and feature “warm gray upholstery and sound-deadening edges, as well as copper-colored accents.”
When can passengers try it? Headforpoints.com says: 'The rollout of the new seat will begin on the airline's existing Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, but will span its entire fleet, with up to 22 percent of the long-haul fleet expected to be completed by March 2024. .'
Lufthansa – Allegris business class
Allegris features the world's first seat heating and cooling system that is adjustable on every seat
There are many reasons to be excited about it from Lufthansa Allegris business class seat, which should debut this summer.
Headforpoints.com says: “Allegris features no fewer than seven different business-class seat options, ranging from middle throne seats to honeymoon couples and unique bassinet seats. Conspicuously absent is a privacy door, except in the front row business suites.
'They are immediately recognizable by Lufthansa's navy and chocolate color scheme. But what's really impressive is the technology they have in house, with a world's first heating and cooling system that is adjustable on every seat.'
Rhys from Headforpoints.com adds: 'This handy technology, inspired by luxury cars, will be a game changer for anyone who finds it too hot or too cold on board with a fully adjustable microclimate.'
Japanese airlines
Japan Airlines is the first airline to introduce headphone-free audio entertainment in its seats
Japan Airlines is introducing Airbus A350-1000s to its fleet, and with it comes a brand new business class, which will feature the world's first built-in audio entertainment without headphones.
Rhys says: “Japan Airlines is the first airline to introduce headphone-free audio entertainment in its seats.
'Specially crafted speakers built into the headrest combine with noise cancellation technology to ensure every passenger can listen or watch their favorite entertainment without the hassle of headphones or earbuds. It's a feature I'd like to try out.'
The seats are presented in a 1-2-1 configuration and also feature 24-inch 4K screens.
FlyDubai
FlyDubai's new 737 Max business class seats are 'impressive', says headforpoints.com
FlyDubaisay headforpoints.com'makes its first foray into business class seating with all-aisle access with the launch of what can only be described as an impressive cabin of its upcoming Boeing 737 Max aircraft'.
The site adds: 'The chairs feature a beautiful coral-coloured fabric with sand-coloured edges and silver edging reminiscent of the deserts of the UAE.'
Air New Zealand – Business Premier seat
Air New Zealand is ditching its Virgin Atlantic-style herringbone seats in favor of suites with adjustable privacy screens
This year Air New Zealand is taking delivery of brand new Dreamliners, which will feature new business class seats to replace, headforpoints.com reports, the Virgin Atlantic-style herringbone seats.
The site continues: 'The premium-heavy aircraft will feature 42 Business Premier seats and eight Business Premier Luxury suites with even more personal space and legroom, as well as the option for communal dining.
“Although there is no door, an adjustable privacy screen is available.”
Saudia A321XLR business class seat
Saudia's A321XLR business class seat (top) will be configured in a 1-1 aisle-facing layout
The first of Saudias According to headforpoints.com, 15 A321XLR aircraft will arrive in 2024, and they will feature Thompson's VantageSolo seat, which is also found on JetBlue's A321LRs.
The site adds: 'Optimized for single-aisle aircraft, this business class seat features an aisle-facing herringbone layout in a 1-1 layout. It appears that Saudia will also offer a business-plus front row with more space and the option for buddy dining.'
Cathay – Aria Suite
Cathay Pacific's new Aria Suite will debut on the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
Cathay Pacific is introducing its new Aria Suite to its existing fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft this year, headforpoints.com explains.
It adds: 'Teaser photos suggest a warm color palette with a sand-coloured woven seat and wood-effect console table. A clever slide-out tray ensures storage is accessible even when the console table is in use, while a personal lamp provides adjustable lighting in the seat.”
Emirates' new business class
Above is Emirates' new business class cabin for the 777 and A350, which is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration
'Emirates benefits from an excellent reputation thanks to its impressive A380s,' says headforpoints.com, 'but the Boeing 777 business class is less impressive (to be polite) with no direct aisle access and angled seats.
'That will change in 2024, when the airline begins a fleet renovation program with the introduction of an all-new business class seat. New aircraft deliveries, such as the A350 and 777X, will also receive it.
'Details are still being kept under wraps, but aircraft will go from an industry standard 2-3-2 to an industry standard 1-2-1.'
Malaysia Airlines' new business class seat
A fleet of twenty new Airbus A330-900neos is expected to arrive in the Malaysia Airlines fleet by the end of 2024, notes headforpoints.com, 'and the airline is using this as an opportunity to introduce a brand new business class product'.
It resembles the British Airways Club Suite, the site says, and “features beautiful dark blue fabric and a characteristic batik pattern embossed on the seat surrounds.”
Images of the suite are currently unavailable.
For more visits www.headforpoints.com/2024/01/02/10-business-class-seats-to-look-forward-to-in-2024.