The business class seats on narrowbody aircraft, which typically fly shorter routes, are undergoing a transformation to offer more comfort and privacy for longhaul travelers. Several U.S. and international airlines have introduced or announced new business class seats that go fully flat, offer direct access to the aisle for every passenger, and include privacy doors to cocoon travelers away from the rest of the plane.
One example is JetBlue Airways, which unveiled its new Mint Studio seat in February 2021. The seat, which will debut on the airline’s Airbus A321LR and A321neo aircraft, features a 22-inch wide seat that converts into a 6-foot 8-inch bed, a 17-inch touchscreen monitor, wireless charging, and ample storage space. The seat also has a sliding privacy door and a secondary seat that can be used as a sofa or a workspace. The Mint Studio seat is the largest and most spacious business class seat in the U.S. market.
American Airlines: The airline offers a Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seat on its A321neo and A321T aircraft, which features a 21-inch wide seat that converts into a 6-foot 4-inch bed, a 15.6-inch touchscreen monitor, universal power outlets, USB ports, and a privacy divider. The seat also has direct aisle access for every passenger and a large tray table that can be used for dining or working.
United Business: This is the airline’s standard business class product, which is available on its Boeing 737 MAX 9 and MAX 10 aircraft, as well as some of its Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. The seat features a 21-inch wide seat that reclines into a 5-foot 6-inch bed, a 10.6-inch touchscreen monitor, power outlets, USB ports, and a personal reading light. The seat also has direct aisle access for every passenger and a privacy divider that can be adjusted. The seat is designed to provide comfort and convenience for medium-haul flights.
United First: This is the airline’s domestic first class product, which is available on its Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 aircraft, as well as some of its Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. The seat features a 20.5-inch wide seat that reclines into a 4-foot 8-inch bed, a 5-inch touchscreen monitor, power outlets, USB ports, and a personal reading light. The seat also has direct aisle access for every passenger and a privacy divider that can be adjusted. The seat is designed to provide comfort and service for short-haul flights.
Qatar Airways: The airline offers a Qsuite seat on its A321LR aircraft, which features a 21-inch wide seat that transforms into a 7-foot bed, a 21.5-inch touchscreen monitor, noise-canceling headphones, power outlets, USB ports, and an adjustable reading light. The seat also has a sliding privacy door and movable panels that allow passengers to create a private suite or a shared space with up to three other passengers .
Air Astana: The airline offers a Thompson Aero Vantage seat on its A321LR aircraft, which features an 18.5-inch wide seat that reclines into a 6-foot 6-inch bed, a 16-inch touchscreen monitor, power outlets, USB ports, and personal storage space. The seat also has direct aisle access for every passenger and a privacy screen that can be raised or lowered .
Air France: The carrier announced its new Business Class seat for its Airbus A220 aircraft in September 2021. The seat, which will be installed on the airline’s 60 A220s starting from September 2023, features a 19-inch wide seat that reclines into a 6-foot 5-inch bed, a 15.6-inch touchscreen monitor, USB ports, and personal reading lights. The seat also has a sliding privacy screen and direct aisle access for every passenger. The seat is designed to offer more comfort and flexibility for travelers on medium-haul and long-haul flights.
Saudi Arabian Airlines: Also known as Saudia, offers a business class seat on its A321 aircraft, which features a 20-inch wide seat that converts into a 6-foot 1-inch bed, a 15-inch touchscreen monitor, power outlets, USB ports, and a personal reading light. The seat also has direct aisle access for every passenger and a privacy divider that can be adjusted. The seat is designed to provide comfort and privacy for travelers on regional and international flights.
These are just some of the examples of how narrowbody aircraft are becoming more suitable for longhaul travel, thanks to the innovation and investment of airlines and seat manufacturers. These new business class seats offer more features and benefits than some of the older business class seats on widebody aircraft, which may have angled or staggered seats, shared armrests, or limited privacy. As travel demand recovers from the pandemic, these new seats may attract more customers who value comfort and convenience on their journeys.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, JetBlue, Air France, Qatar
