Aviation

These are the 10 Airlines to Introduce New Cabin Seats in 2024

Embarking on a new era of comfort and innovation, several prominent airlines worldwide are set to redefine the in-flight experience with the introduction of state-of-the-art cabin seats this year.

In this article, we explore the latest innovations in air travel comfort as 10 prominent airlines introduce new cabin seats. From ergonomic designs to futuristic features, join us in exploring the forefront of aviation luxury and discover how these industry leaders are set to elevate the passenger experience to new heights in the realm of air travel.

1. Air New Zealand – The Skynest Experience:

Air New Zealand is set to revolutionize the travel experience for economy-class passengers with the introduction of the Skynest. Offering bunk beds in the sky, the Skynest will provide a comfortable and restful journey on long-haul routes, including flights between New York and Auckland. Passengers can enhance their travel by booking a four-hour block in the Skynest at an additional cost, enjoying amenities and linens for a truly relaxing experience.

2. Japan Airlines – Ultra-Luxe Premium Economy:

Japan Airlines has recently unveiled its ultra-luxe premium economy seat on the A350-1000 planes. The introduction of these seats promises an elevated experience for passengers seeking extra comfort and luxury during their journey.

3. Lufthansa – Allegris Premium Economy:

Lufthansa’s newest Allegris premium economy seats, set to debut on the new A350 and 787 Dreamliner planes in spring 2024, aim to provide passengers with enhanced perks reminiscent of business-class amenities. This new offering marks a significant upgrade in the premium economy segment.

4. Hawaiian Airlines – Business Class Leihoku Suites:

Hawaiian Airlines is elevating its business class experience with the introduction of the 787-9 Business Class Leihoku Suites. Featuring closing suite doors, these new suites promise a vast improvement in comfort and privacy. Select Dreamliner routes will see the launch of these suites on April 16, 2024.

5. Air France – First Class Upgrade:

Air France is set to unveil its new first-class product in 2024, with anticipated service commencement in early 2025. While available on select planes and routes, Air France’s La Première first class is expected to offer a premium travel experience.

NYC nonstop to Paris: Air France offers roundtrip business class flights for just $2,197.
Miami nonstop to Paris: Secure a roundtrip business class experience from Miami to Paris with Air France for $2,497.
Atlanta nonstop to Paris: Enjoy the luxury of Air France’s business class on nonstop flights from Atlanta to Paris at a price of $2,996 roundtrip.
Boston to Florence: For travelers from Boston to Florence, Air France presents a roundtrip business class fare of $2,090.

6. American Airlines – Flagship Suite Debut:

American Airlines, the largest carrier in the U.S., is gearing up for the debut of its highly-anticipated Flagship Suite seats in 2024. These seats will be featured on new Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A321XLRs, as well as retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs.

7. Cathay Pacific – Aria Suites in Business Class:

Cathay Pacific is introducing its Aria Suites in business class on its flagship Boeing 777-300ER aircraft this year. The Aria Suites aim to provide an enhanced and luxurious business class experience for passengers.

8. Emirates – New Business Class Offerings:

Emirates is set to launch new business-class offerings on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs in the third quarter of 2024. This move aligns with Emirates’ commitment to providing exemplary service and comfort across its fleet.

9. Saudi Arabian Airlines – Airbus A321XLR and New Business Class:

Saudi Arabian Airlines has ambitious plans for 2024, with the arrival of its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Accompanying this addition is a new business class seat, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

10. Etihad Airways – Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Business Class:

Etihad Airways, based in the UAE, is set to introduce new business class seats in 2024 with the delivery of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Passengers can anticipate an upgraded and luxurious business-class experience with these new offerings from Etihad.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

American Airlines Is Looking for Flight Attendants: Apply Now

The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

Close Call at Heathrow: BA Flight Narrowly Escapes Drone Collision

China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.