Emirates reveals A350 ‘S Lounge’ business class

The Gulf carrier sticks with its underwhelming “next generation” business class.

By David Flynn, November 27 2024
Emirates reveals A350 ‘S Lounge’ business class

With Emirates’ first Airbus A350 ready to take wing in early January 2025, the Gulf carrier has finally shared a look at the business class cabin which will crown the modern twin-aisle jet.

Emirates will begin flying the A350 in January 2025.
Emirates will begin flying the A350 in January 2025.

To perhaps nobody’s surprise, Emirates is standardising on the same “next generation” business class as its Boeing 777 refit – a seat which the airline now appears to be re-branding as the ‘S Lounge’, a design “inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience.”

Emirates' new 'S Lounge' A350 business class.
Emirates' new 'S Lounge' A350 business class.

This appears to be a slightly glam version of the Boeing 777 seat, with some fresh touches such as wireless charging on the shelf next to each passenger joining familiar Emirates business class traits such as a mini-bar.

Emirates' new 'S Lounge' A350 business class.
Emirates' new 'S Lounge' A350 business class.

A self-serve snack bar at the rear of the business class cabin will be stocked with fresh fruit, sandwiches and sweet treats.

The 4K HD video screen supports Bluetooth audio streaming to a passenger’s own headphones or earbuds, although this isn’t exclusive to business class – Emirates says Bluetooth audio and 60w USB-C charging are available at every seat from tip to tail.

Emirates' new 'S Lounge' A350 business class.
Emirates' new 'S Lounge' A350 business class.

The A350 also sports electric window blinds which can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, with a dual-blind system in business class and premium economy offering two shaded options.

There’ll also be fast and free WiFi through Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band broadband satellite network.

  • All Emirates Skywards members will receive free access to text-based messaging apps for the whole flight.
  • Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members in business class will enjoy full unlimited Internet access, as will Skywards Platinum members in premium economy and economy.

Emirates is also following the same trend as several other A350 airlines in removing the central overhead luggage bins from the business class cabin to emphasise the A350’s room-like space – thankfully, the oversized bins above the windows have ample room for everyone’s bags.

All that said, and as our report details, what Emirates touted as a “next generation” business class is more like a last generation seat which makes only a few concessions to the modern era – yet has a distinct lack of privacy, especially in seats right next to the aisle, along with a shortage of personal storage space around the seat.

Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.
Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.

So while Emirates’ latest 777 business class is a huge step up from the previous product, it does little to close the gap against best-in-class competitors – including the latest doored suites from Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and from mid-2025, neighbour and rival Riyadh Air.

Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.
Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.

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The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, told media on the sidelines of the mid-year IATA conference in Dubai that Emirates was working towards standardising its business class with a 1-2-1 layout across the fleet, ahead of the arrival of the 777-9 (which now appears to be a 2026 proposition).

Emirates has confirmed the A350 seat map as follows:

  • 32  business class flatbeds (in eight rows of 1-2-1)
  • 21 premium economy recliners
  • 259 “generously pitched” economy seats

There’ll be no first class in the Emirates A350s, with the primo private suites remaining the exclusive domain of the larger A380s and Boeing 777s.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1224

I don't really mind the design but I am surprised how narrow the seats look.  An A350 is wider than the upper deck of an A380 but somehow these seats look narrower than the A380.  Maybe it is just an optical illusion.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Oct 2012

Total posts 133

Quite underwhelming I have to say in all aspects  , still I wouldn't say no to sitting in one of them on the way to Europe.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

20 Aug 2014

Total posts 170

Yeah 15 years ago we'd have all been ok with flying to Europe in what at that time would have been an industry leading seat. The problem for Emirates is they are about to roll out a 15 year old seat philosophy on new A350's over the next few years that will be in service for a decade or more before they get refit. Sure the wireless charging and Bluetooth audio streaming is definitely up to the minute tech but the huge lack of privacy is a deal breaker. The privacy of the Cathay A350/B777 seat is what I love about CX even though that design is quite old. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2016

Total posts 176

I use the "Old" CX as my benchmark, it might be 2010ish but the Zodic/Safran is still a great seat for my 195cm, not the best but always good. However, how much better can business get from the Room? (I am less a fan of QR) 

It wasn't that long ago we were in angle flat on QF 747's - I id 2019 to Japan and I was booked 2020 Santiago

06 Jan 2013

Total posts 11

I think this looks like a superb product with excellent accessories. 

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1563

Honestly I do not understand why people may like this. Childish design with plethora of fake wood. Center seats looks narrow and too close each to other. And general atmosphere like Ali Baba's cave. I never enjoyed Emirate's approach and looks like never will.


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