First Class
A new level of First Class on board the A350
A first class suite that can compete with a hotel onboard an A350
If first class is the ultimate expression of an airline as a hospitality brand, can afirst class suite anchor an airline as a premium carrier?
The A380 allowed airlines to create suites that transformed what people expect from first class. But how do you create the next level of first class within an A350 LOPA?
First class has shifted from solo business travel to shared leisure travel — and cabin architecture is being redesigned around pairs for the first time. Sticking to a 110" pitch, but combining two of the suites in a 1:1:1 layout allows us to create a first class beyond what has existed to date.
The Penthouse is boarded through door 1, and has its own exclusive entrance on the starboard side. You enter into a lounge space, with two seats abreast a coffee table, a space to enjoy your welcome drink.
On the other side, a space to recline and relax, a sofa facing a 50" screen. Meanwhile, the coffee table rises up to the level of a dining table, and the seats swivel, to create an intimate dining setting. The sofa can then slide forwards creating a double bed.
Innovating a layout whilst not breaking the rules
Taking what Lufthansa did with the Allegris concept one stage further, we combine a generous single suite on the port side, with a double suite bridging the centre and the starboard.
What was just an aisle plays a bigger role, creating a feeling of an open hotel room. To maintain maximum safety, whilst creating a private space, this aisle is opened up during TTL, whilst passengers are confined to their seats. Once airborne, the door can be closed again, leaving the guests to enjoy their private space.