The Uncertain Future of Emirates' A350 Business Class

Emirates' latest business class on their Boeing 777 has raised eyebrows, and now speculation is rife about their upcoming Airbus A350 business class. Will it be a game-changer or just a repeat of the same old design? The uncertainty is palpable. In recent years, Emirates has been working on standardizing their business class across their fleet. They've been pushing for a 1-2-1 layout, which would provide direct aisle access for every passenger. However, this upgrade hasn't quite lived up to expectations. The seats are spacious, but they lack true privacy, and the personal storage space is limited. Emirates' Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, has hinted at plans to roll out this improved business class across their fleet, including the Airbus A350. But will it be the same seat design as the Boeing 777, or will Emirates surprise us with something fresh and exciting? The airline has confirmed that they're working with French aerospace company Safran to develop new business class seating for both the A350 and 777 fleets. Safran is responsible for Emirates' premium economy seat and has also created specialized seats for other carriers. Their Unity platform, which features forward-facing seats enclosed by high walls and a sliding door, has already impressed Air India and Qantas. So, what can we expect from Emirates' A350 business class? Right now, we know that it's scheduled to arrive in October 2024, with the first flight taking off from Edinburgh on November 4th. The A350 will feature 32 business class flatbeds, 21 premium economy recliners, and 259 economy seats. No first class, unfortunately, but a social area for business class passengers is rumored to be in the works.