Travel News: Top 9 Business Class Cabins 2024

Apr 25, 2024By Jeff Breeze
Jeff Breeze

The Top 9 Highly Anticipated Business Class Cabins of 2024

From leading carriers like American Airlines to renowned names such as Emirates, we've curated a selection of the most exciting premium offerings set to debut this year.

With projections indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels in global business travel spending, airlines worldwide have been actively engaged in crafting new business class seats and enhancing their aircraft interiors.

A notable trend is the shift away from first class towards business class, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. Major players like American Airlines, Qantas, and Qatar Airways are among those prioritizing the enhancement of business class experiences.

Here's a glimpse at some of the most eagerly awaited new business class cabins, seats, and suites slated for launch in 2024:

American Airlines

The largest U.S. carrier is set to introduce its highly anticipated Flagship Suite seats in 2024. These suites will debut in two variants: one on newly acquired Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A321XLRs, and the other on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs. These suites not only will provide more space than current cabins, but will have an enhanced look with wood-effect sliding doors for added privacy, and dark grey seats surrounded by calming grey walls with deep red touches.

Hawaiian Airlines

Beginning in April 2024, passengers on specific routes will experience cabin design elements reflecting the vibrant natural world of Hawaiʻi. These include bold textures, island-influenced lighting reminiscent of sunrise and sunset, and flowing patterns inspired by the ocean and wind with the launch of its Leihōkū Suites. These Polynesian-inspired cabins immerse guests in natural materials and celestial elements; and will feature 34 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering lie-flat seats, sliding privacy doors, and 18-inch IFE screens.

Leihōkū has 34 suites with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access.
Leihōkū has 34 suites with fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging and direct aisle access. Photo Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

Japan Airlines

With the replacement of aging Boeing 777-300ERs with Airbus A350-1000s, Japan Airlines is rolling out new cabins across classes. The business class cabin will feature 54 suites in a 1-2-1 layout, boasting rich burgundy lie-flat seats, sliding doors, and innovative amenities such as built-in wardrobes and advanced sound systems.

Among the notable features of these innovative seats are an integrated wardrobe for hanging coats and suits, alongside state-of-the-art, headphone-free sound systems embedded in each headrest.

Travelers need not delay experiencing JAL’s latest business class cabins, which are already operational. They premiered on a Tokyo Haneda (HND) to New York (JFK) flight in late 2023.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is unveiling its Aria Suites on Boeing 777-300ERs, characterized by a warm golden-brown color scheme, elegant design elements, wood-like surfaces, generous storage spacem and modern features like wireless charging capabilities and large 4K IFE screens.

Lufthansa

Delayed from its initial launch in 2023, Lufthansa's Allegris cabins are now set to debut on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These cabins promise diverse seating options, including individual center aisle suites, double seats (ideal for honeymooners), and bassinet seats (ideal for families with young children), all featuring Lufthansa's signature navy blue and brown color scheme and innovative in-seat heating and cooling controls.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand's Business Premier class cabins on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, scheduled for launch in September 2024, will feature 42 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, along with eight extra-spacious Business Premier Luxe suites. These cabins will offer a neutral grey color scheme with pink and purple accents, sliding privacy panels, and a large 24-inch 4K IFE screen.

Emirates

Emirates - who already has a reputation for unmatched service and comfort, is enhancing its business class offerings on Boeing 777-300ERs with a new cabin configuration providing direct aisle access for all passengers, a feature currently unavailable on its 777 fleet.

Etihad

Etihad Airways is introducing new business class suites on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring sliding privacy doors, higher walls than its A380 business class suites, enhanced storage options, large 4K IFE screens, and Bluetooth pairing capabilities.

Air France

While not strictly business class, Air France is debuting its new La Première first class offering in 2024, featuring fully private suites equipped with seats, sofas, and beds. These suites, dubbed the "longest cabin" on the market, are expected to set a new standard for luxury in air travel.

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