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10 new business class airline seats to look forward to in 2024

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After a quiet few years, airlines are making up for lost time by launching new business class seats. 2024 will be an exciting year for travellers as some of the world’s best airlines introduce new cabins in an increasingly crowded market.

How are things changing? Suites with doors, 4K entertainment, Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging are all becoming the norm rather than the exception. One airline is due to introduce the world’s first in-seat cooling and heating on a commercial aircraft and we’re also seeing ‘proper’ lie-flat business class seats being installed on single-aisle aircraft.

Here’s what ten of the world’s best airlines have planned….

Cathay Pacific 'Aria Suite' business class

Cathay Pacific ‘Aria Suite’ business class

Cathay Pacific teased its next-generation business class seat with a teaser video in September. The Aria Suite will be retrofitted to its existing fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with an introduction into service expected in the second quarter of 2024.

Teaser photos suggest warm colour palette with sand-coloured woven seat and wood-effect console-table. A clever sliding tray means storage is accessible even when the console table is in use whilst a personal light offers adjustable in-seat lighting.

Whilst unconfirmed, this appears to be a brand-new seat model featuring an innovative monocoque design that makes it lighter, and cheaper, to fly.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: N/A

Arriving: Q2 2024

Japan Airlines new flagship business class seat

Japan Airlines new flagship business class seat

Tokyo-based airline JAL is replacing its fleet of 13 Boeing 777-300ER with newer Airbus A350-1000s. This will bring brand new seats in all of its cabins, including First, business class, premium economy and economy.

The first A350-1000 has already been delivered and will start flying to New York JFK. 54 business suites are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 forward-facing layout with rich burgundy leather seats and grey surrounds.

When it comes to high-tech innovations, JAL is the first airline to introduce Safran’s ‘Euphony’ headphone-free sound system built into the headrest of every seat. The technology promises “an optimum listening experience” that will let you watch films, TV and more without disturbing other passengers.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: 24″ 4K screen, Bluetooth enabled

Arriving: arrived!

Further reading: Japan Airlines unveils new First and Business class cabins, bookable soon with Avios

Saudia A321XLR business class seat

The first of Saudia’s 15 A321XLR aircraft are due to arrive in 2024, enabling it to open up long, thin routes where historically there has not been enough demand for a direct widebody flight.

Saudia has selected Thompson’s VantageSOLO seat for this aircraft, which currently also flies on JetBlue’s A321LRs. We saw a dummy at World Travel Market in November.

This business class seat is optimised for single-aisle aircraft and features an aisle-facing herringbone in 1-1 layout. It appears Saudia will also offer a business-plus front row with increased space and the option to buddy dine. The seat features woven grey upholstery, white marbled surfaces and chocolate brown armrests.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: 18″ screen

Arriving: 2024

American Airlines new Flagship Suite business class

American Airlines new Flagship Suite business class

American Airlines will introduce not one but two new business class seats in 2024, both of which it is calling the Flagship Suite.

Both seats will be introduced on new deliveries of Boeing 787-9 and single-aisle Airbus A321XLR aircraft in the coming year and tout privacy doors, more personal storage space and a chaise longue seating option.

The Flagship Suite on the Boeing 787-9 features a reverse herringbone layout with a grey woven fabric seat and grey surrounds. Wood-effect doors and a marble-effect tray table add some warmth whilst a red literature pocket adds a pop of colour.

Meanwhile, the A321XLR Flagship Suite features an aisle-facing herringbone in identical finishes and colours.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: N/A

Arriving: 2024

FlyDubai The Business Suite

FlyDubai The Business Suite

Middle Eastern airline FlyDubai is making its first foray into all-aisle-access business class seating with the launch of what can only be described as an impressive cabin on its soon-to-arrive Boeing 737MAX aircraft.

This reverse herringbone seat from Safran is just one of a few lie-flat business class seats available for single-aisle aircraft with an exclusive cabin of just ten seats.

The seats feature a beautiful coral-coloured weave with sand-coloured surrounds and silver trim evoking the deserts of the UAE.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: 17″ 4K screen, Bluetooth connectivity

Arriving: Q1 2024

Malaysia Airlines new business class seat

A fleet of 20 new Airbus A330-900neos is due to start arriving in the Malaysia Airlines fleet in late 2024, and the airline is using it as an opportunity to introduce a brand new business class product.

Based on the same Collins Elevation reverse herringbone seat as the British Airways Club Suite, Malaysia Airlines will roll it out across the entire long haul fleet, including its A350s. The seat features lovely dark blue fabric as well as a characterful embossed batik pattern on the seat surrounds.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: N/A

Arriving: Q4 2024

Lufthansa Allegris business class

Lufthansa Allegris business class

Is 2024 the year that Lufthansa’s Allegris business class finally takes to the sky? We certainly hope so. At least eight years in the making, the airline now hopes it will make its debut this summer, before a customised version also makes its way onto SWISS International Airlines in 2025.

Allegris features a staggering seven different business class seat options, ranging from centre throne seats to honeymoon pairs and unique bassinet seats. Notably absent is a privacy door, except in the front row business suites.

They are immediately identifiable in Lufthansa’s class navy and chocolate colour scheme. But what is truly impressive is the technology they are packing, with a world-first in-seat heating and cooling system that’s adjustable at every seat.

Door: No

Entertainment: 17″ (classic seat), 27″ (extra space seat), plus 10″ tablet

Arriving: summer 2024

Further reading: Lufthansa unveils its new ‘Allegris’ business class cabin

Air New Zealand new Business Premier seats

Air New Zealand new Business Premier seats

In 2024, Air New Zealand will start replacing its existing Virgin Atlantic-style herringbone business class seats for a brand new and improved Business Premier seats as the first of eight line-fresh Boeing 787-9 aircraft arrive.

The premium-heavy aircraft will feature 42 Business Premier seats as well as eight Business Premier Luxe suites with even more personal space and legroom as well as the option to buddy dine.

The seat’s warm, neutral greys will be accented by pink and purple in-seat mood-lighting as well as an expansive video screen and plenty of personal storage and space to spread out. Whilst there’s no door, an adjustable privacy screen is available.

Door: No

Entertainment: 24″ 4K screen, Bluetooth connectivity

Arriving: September 2024

Air India's new business class makeover

Air India’s new business class makeover

Part of Tata’s takeover of the former national airline involves a full makeover of every single part of the business, including the introduction of a brand new fleet with all-new business class seating.

The rollout of the new seat will start on the airline’s existing Boeing 777-300ER aircraft but will encompass the entire fleet, with up to 22% of the long haul fleet expected to be completed by March 2024.

The new seat is based on Safran’s Unity model (also selected by JAL and Qantas) in a staggered 1-2-1 layout. The seat features warm grey upholstery and noise-dampening surrounds as well as copper-coloured accents.

Door: Yes

Entertainment: Bluetooth connectivity

Arriving: 2024

Emirates new business class

Emirates benefits from an excellent reputation thanks to its impressive A380s, but its Boeing 777 business class is less impressive (to be polite) with no direct aisle access and angle-flat seats.

That will change in 2024, when the airline begins a refurbishment program on the fleet with the introduction of an all-new business class seat. New aircraft deliveries, such as the A350 and 777X, will also get it.

Details have been kept firmly under wraps, but aircraft will go from 2-3-2 in business to an industry standard 1-2-1, with seats provided by Safran. Whilst Safran offers a handful of different seat types, this could be the same Unity model selected by JAL, Qantas and Air India.

Door: N/A

Entertainment: N/A

Arriving: Q3 2024

Category

American Airlines and AAdvantage, Cathay Pacific and Asia Miles, Emirates and Emirates Skywards, Lufthansa and Miles & More, oneworld alliance partners

Comments (69)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Mouse says:
    2 Jan2 January 05:40

    Any news or gossip on what the new BA 777X First seat is going to look like?

  • TimM says:
    2 Jan2 January 05:55

    “monocoque” is not in the Cambridge English dictionary though I see it exists in both the US and French dictionaries. I do fear for the use of English on HfP.

    • Tom C says:
      2 Jan2 January 06:32

      If this is what you have to be fearful of in 2024, I want your life.

    • David says:
      2 Jan2 January 06:42

      It’s definitely a word in aerospace and engineering (eg, the Spitfire was designed as a monocoque aircraft). I would use a different dictionary.

    • pauldb says:
      2 Jan2 January 06:49

      Given it’s in the OED and Collins, I think you’re being far too sensitive.

    • JDB says:
      2 Jan2 January 07:06

      Try the Oxford English Dictionary!

      monocoque /ˈmɒnə(ʊ)kɒk / ▸ noun an aircraft or vehicle structure in which the chassis is integral with the body.

    • Ken says:
      2 Jan2 January 07:08

      Been in common use in motor racing for 60 years (Lotus) and in cycling since 1992 when Chris Boardman won a gold at the Olympics on a Lotus designed bike.

    • Corbyn says:
      2 Jan2 January 08:20

      You must be fun at parties

    • Greenpen says:
      2 Jan2 January 08:30

      Not just the exotic world of racing cars; the word has been in common use ever since car manufacturers moved away from a fixed chassis. I think Citroen were the first but I am no expert.

    • Numpty says:
      2 Jan2 January 09:22

      I never did like the Cambridge dictionary.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      2 Jan2 January 12:28

      Not American at it’s used but UK based vehicle manufacturers too

    • Novelty-Socks says:
      2 Jan2 January 23:31

      Seems you need to understand that the purpose of a dictionary is to record the use of language, not to regulate it.

      It’s not incorrect just because it’s not in the dictionary (and particularly if it’s not in your specific copy of the dictionary!).

  • G says:
    2 Jan2 January 06:16

    Shame MH long haul avios availability is almost non existent

  • John says:
    2 Jan2 January 06:25

    I’m pretty sure the desserts in the deserts of the UAE are excellent.

  • BJ says:
    2 Jan2 January 06:29

    With their superior and more consistent service these new hard products will allow Cathay, JAL and MAS to join their other leading East Asian carriers and keep them at the head of the game. It will be interesting to see if the new Emirates seat shifts the balance amongst the ME3; much will depend on the race to refit dated cabins between EK and QR. Also of interest will be whether changes at Lufty and BA can elevate them above the ME3. Service and dining on my pair of 2023 flights on BA veing superior to my pair on Qatar.

  • Sam says:
    2 Jan2 January 07:41

    FlyDubai already operate flat beds on a number of their 737’s – primarily reserved for their longer routes (the block time Dubai-Krabi is over 7 hours, would be harsh to get a recliner if you’ve brought an EK J ticket and didn’t realise you’ve half the flight on a low cost narrow body as people I know have.

    On the positive side (as people seem to be picking you up on spelling/grammar this morning) you’ve just taught me I’ve been using foray wrong when I find have been using forway

  • BA Flyer IHG Stayer says:
    2 Jan2 January 07:45

    There are a few “N/A” – not applicable – listed.

    Surely “N/K” or even “TBC” would be better?

    • Niall says:
      2 Jan2 January 11:29

      A lot more sense. Entertainment N/A means there is none. But it doesn’t look like that feedback is being taken.

  • GSR says:
    2 Jan2 January 08:28

    Are ‘privacy doors’ just a gimmick?
    Anybody walking past your seat can easily peer over the top.
    The door would need to be 6ft high, almost 2m, to be truly effective.

    • Rhys says:
      2 Jan2 January 09:11

      They are good when you want to sleep and don’t want to be bumped by anyone walking down the aisle etc.

    • The Savage Squirrel says:
      2 Jan2 January 09:50

      I don’t care about them but I accept that the market has spoken and this is how things are going to be. Can’t argue really, as choice is good – for those that don’t like it … just leave the door open.

      Given that they are now the modern standard, I wonder how Lufthansa feel about having taken so long to sort out a new seat that it is outdated before it launches? Given that it appears eminently “doorable”, I bet that the revised all-door version appears almost immediately.

      • Bernard says:
        2 Jan2 January 22:00

        Lufthansa have already stated they are reflecting what their regular customers want. That may differ from what you think is needed, but well done to Lufthansa for following their actual customers, not non paying blogosphere.
        Personally, if I have to be down back in business (ie when F is already fully booked), doors are a very mixed blessing. People seem to think it then allows them to hold loud, disturbing conversations – forgetting noise travels over the door. The co start door banging open and shut as people use the loo on overnights is also rather annoying. Glad to see one airline dispense with this gimmick.
        SAS business seat without the door nonsense is also probably one of the best out there already. Again designed by its customers instead of bloggers.
        Both airlines have, of course, decided not to over densify so the aisles are so narrow that a door becomes a necessity (like BA).

    • TGLoyalty says:
      2 Jan2 January 14:41

      While I won’t choose one over another because of a door I do like it. When you’re in lie flat it does feel far more private regardless of what some walking past might be able to see if the actively look.

      • Rob says:
        2 Jan2 January 15:30

        It narrows the seat though, so there is a trade off.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          3 Jan3 January 00:53

          Also true. But route, ease of travel, cost, lie flat etc come into play more than width and door or no door.

    • MPC says:
      3 Jan3 January 10:42

      As a snorer, the door gives me an extra level of confidence that i’m disturbing my fellow passengers as little as possible (in addition to my mouthguard and other tools)

      I’m due on old CW in May to SIN and back and slightly dreading it TBH with you. I would put myself in a more enclosed seat in the corner but I’m travelling with my father and i’m letting him have the window seat as it could well be the last time he gets on a flight.

      It’s not perfect but much prefer having the door. Outside of BA, I would say most J seats aren’t as open as old CW, so this is a more extreme comparison, but I would still rather have the door than not have it.

      As you say, the partition isn’t especially high so it may make very little difference in reality, but psychologically, it helps me sleep a lot better.

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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