As Airbus seeks to cram more passengers into economy, new designs for business class seats are upgrading the travel experience closer to first class.
Exhibit A: the Fusio business suite from global seat-maker Zodiac Aerospace.
Fusio offers airlines "the comfort of first class but the space of business class," claims Zodiac, which is demonstrating the seat at this week's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg in the hopes of snaring a launch customer.
Fusio's suite design incorporates a wide lounge-style seat that converts into a flat bed, a 27 inch HD video screen, built-in coat closet and plenty of storage space.
In Zodiac's crosshairs for the Fusio: international airlines looking to replace first class seats with a luxe 'business plus' offering at a business class price.
"The seat offers a much better use of space compared with other first-class seats," explains Zodiac exec Pierre-Anthony Vastra.
"We're still selling first-class seats but we also identified a category for this kind of product."
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Jan 2015
Total posts 36
First class definitely looks more comfortable. The room for your legs when the seat is flat looks tiny. I think the top of the seat looks as spacious and comfortable as first. which is where you will be looking when your in sleep position, you will be looking at the top of the seat making it appear to be as wide/spacious/confortable as first
30 Aug 2013
Total posts 440
Looks a lot like the new SQ 77W J seat
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Mar 2014
Total posts 567
With the leg positioning, it looks like you would be on a funny angle when seated, with your legs to the side. That said, the features look the real deal. Not sure I'd be keen on spending 12+ hours facing backwards.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Nov 2014
Total posts 357
This looks just like SQ's current long haul J seat on A380 and 77W.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Dec 2012
Total posts 53
It looks like these are forward and rear facing sets, whereas SQ are all forward facting
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Apr 2014
Total posts 34
Same as etihad new a380 business class which is an fantastic layout
20 May 2014
Total posts 79
I remember Qatar Airways' CEO boasting about ordering a new super business class seat with a 'double bed' for some of their newer fleet. Potentially this could be the seat he was referring to?
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1518
Yep, gap between proper travel classes and sardine cans widening and widening.
08 Oct 2011
Total posts 50
Needless to say, the price as well. J = 4Y at least.
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