Airbus is upgrading the First Class experience, and it’s using its new A350-1000 aircraft to launch the opulent new concept.
Airbus has taken centre stage at the Aircraft Interiors Expo this week, by showcasing the new cabin concept that will take “first class travel at new levels”, with master suites, larger areas and even, higher ceilings.
“Completely re-imagined,” a statement from Airbus read. “From door to door and ceiling to floor, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform to accommodate a larger First Class cabin including the stunning new Master Suite.”
Expo attendees were among the first to “experience” the new cabin through 3D Augmented Reality (AR), followed by social media users that were wowed with photo and video renderings.
“Absolutely mind-blowing,” @vigneshanil said on Instagram. “In a time when standard business class already offers a 1-2-1 configuration, Airbus just proved that First Class still has a future—and it looks really amazing.”
“Wow, this looks amazing! Luxury in the sky!” added @wellmadepoints, while @selker99 questioned, “is this for traveling or to live in there?”
With all the positive reception for the new concept, let’s take a deep dive into what Airbus has planned for its flagship aircraft.
The First Class Master Suite with a private lavatory
This, according to Airbus, is the highlight of the new First Class experience.
Conceived by the manufacturer’s in-house design team (as expected), the Master Suite will be located in the centre between the two aisles and will accommodate two passengers.
The lucky (and likely wealthy) couple will have access to their own bar, a double bed and a changing area. Even more exciting, and perhaps the best part of the experience, is that they’ll also get their own lavatory!
Sounds like inflight heaven but also… a bit like Etihad’s The Residence.
Reshuffled interior to accommodate the new suite
Airbus has had to shuffle things around onboard in order to accommodate to the new First Class section.
The floor area between Doors 1 to Doors 2 on the A350-1000 will now accommodate most of the new cabin. This includes moving various monuments (such as lavatories and stowages) to free up space.
Additional privacy for passengers in the suites is provided by also relocating the access stairs to the Forward Crew Rest Compartment (FCRC) in the new Centre Module. So there will be less disturbance from the flight crew, for example.
High ceilings and more cabin space
Airbus is giving First Class more ambience through higher ceilings, adjusted lighting, and sculpted ceiling panels.
These changes “provide an even greater sense of space, as well as integrated welcome lighting panel at Doors 1 for extra ambience”.
So who do you need to book with to experience the new First Class?
Locally, Etihad already has five Airbus A350-1000 in its fleet. However, it’s unlikely to be fitted with the First Class concept revealed this week.Turkish Airlines has around 15 of the aircraft on order, and could very well add-on the new concept.
Meanwhile, outside of the Middle East, Australian carrier Qantas has 24 planes on order and plans to use them for ‘Project Sunrise’, which is nonstop flights between Sydney and London commencing in 2027. Other airlines with existing A350-1000 order includes China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air India, Eva Air, KLM and more.
