Airlines at the Farnborough Airshow near London showcased new business class seats this week, with Qatar Airways taking the spotlight. The airline displayed its latest business class upgrade, featuring in-flight entertainment monitors that swivel to the side, allowing passengers in pairs or groups of four to create a bigger shared space.
Qatar Airways‘ new business class product builds upon its existing „Qsuite,“ which was first launched in 2017. The unique seat configuration of the Qsuite allows passengers to create an open-top „room“ with sliding privacy doors in the middle of the cabin. The addition of folding screens now enables groups to view the same monitor and create a shared table space.
Implementing new business class seats across an airline’s fleet is a time-consuming process. Qatar Airways announced that the new seats will be available next year on its Boeing B777-9 jets. The order for 20 additional B777-9s at the airshow brings Qatar Airways‘ total orders for B777X jets to nearly 100.
In addition to Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways also made changes to its business class cabin at the air show. The airline introduced adjustable doors with privacy panels, a feature that has become standard in luxurious premium class cabins in recent years.
The Global Business Travel Association published a report predicting a significant rise in spending on global business travel. The report suggests an 11.1% year-on-year increase to $1.48 trillion, up from $1.43 trillion in 2019. This growth is attributed to increased economic stability and pent-up demand following the pandemic-related decline in business travel.
Business Class, First Class, and Premium Economy have emerged as the most lucrative cabins for airlines. The demand for these seats continues to grow, not only among corporate travelers but also non-corporate passengers willing to pay for additional amenities and perks.
The advancements in business class seats showcased at the Farnborough Airshow indicate a shift towards more luxurious and innovative designs. Airlines are continuously striving to enhance the passenger experience, catering to the evolving needs of both corporate and leisure travelers. With the projected increase in corporate travel demand, the introduction of new business class upgrades is timely and reflects the industry’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
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