Aeroflot's new Airbus A350 business class gets sliding doors
The Russian flag-carrier will install private business class suites across its Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 fleets.
By David Flynn, February 27 2020
When Aeroflot takes delivery of its first Airbus A350 this week, the Russian flag-carrier will also pull back the curtains on an all-new business class suite boasting the mod cons of a 1-2-1 layout, long flat beds and large flat video screens and, yes, sliding privacy doors.
The seats will also make their way onto the SkyTeam member's Boeing 777-300ER jets in a two-year refurbishment program stretching through to 2022, in order to create a "unified" long-range business class.
Aeroflot's all-new Airbus A350 business class suites.
These particular business class suites are not only new to Aeroflot, they're new to the aviation landscape, with an Aeroflot spokesman confirming to Executive Traveller that "the seat is a custom-built Horizon Business Class seat by Collins."
Aeroflot's all-new Airbus A350 business class suites.
The Horizon is a fresh addition to the catalogue of seatmaker Collins Aerospace, sitting alongside the popular Super Diamond business class seat – most recently upgraded with doors in the form of British Airways' Club Suite. Collins also crafted the highly-regarded and highly-bespoke Qsuite for Qatar Airways.
While the Horizon hasn't been "formally announced", Collins Aerospace spokeswoman Pam Tvrdy-Cleary tells Executive Traveller "we are planning to do something for AIX,", referring to Hamburg's upcoming Aircraft Interiors Expo which runs from March 31 to April 2, 2020.
Aeroflot's all-new Airbus A350 business class suites.
London-based PriestmanGoode is believed to have taken on styling duties for the suite and the cabin, which also includes a self-serve refreshment bar with drinks and snacks.
Aeroflot's Airbus A350 self-serve business class bar.
Aeroflot's Airbus A350 self-serve business class bar.
Aeroflot's A350s will sport 28 business class seats across seven rows, followed by a cabin of 24 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout, and economy in a standard 3-3-3 arrangement.
Aeroflot's Airbus A350 premium economy.
Aeroflot expects to pick up the keys to eight of a total of 14 Airbus A350-900s this year, with the fuel-efficient jetliner making its debut between Moscow and New York on March 29, followed by a roster including London, Miami, Beijing and Seoul, as well as launching non-stop flights to Singapore from October 25.
Aeroflot's Airbus A350 will open up non-stop flights to Singapore in October 2020.
The airline is also rolling out a new lower-priced 'basic' business class fare, which is non-refundable and halves the luggage allowance of standard business class tickets to a single 32kg bag (without taking frequent flyer status into account), although lounge access and seat pre-selection is still included.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
19 Jul 2017
Total posts 7
Is that a mini-wardrobe at each seat?
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
27 Sep 2017
Total posts 31
I know that my comments may sound controversial, but I do hope that Virgin Australia (VA) gains a closer relationship with Aeroflot (SU) through their relationship with Delta (DL). Most folks would not fly with the airline due to their previous (pre-1991) reputation, but it is actually a comfortable airline to fly with. Flew with them on numerous occasions, both in USSR build aircraft (TU-154M) as well as Western-built (A320s) out of London (LHR). What impressed me the most is the Eastern European served meals and the difference between British Airways (BA) and SU. In terms of service, cabin crew is a little dry when it comes to conversing in English, as it is not their first language, and I get that after growing up and understanding Soviet mentality, but once you start speaking to them in Russian you get a completely different service and approach. In general, they are no different to any of the Western carriers that I flew with, apart from VA who seems to be head and shoulders above their competition.
The product looks great and hopefully, if the relationship with VA gets a little closer, the ability to use your hard-earned points will be a welcome initiative. Would love to be able to use Velocity points for upgrades on Delta and other Skyteam members worldwide.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
Delta and Aeroflot unfortunately don't have the closest of partnerships right now... despite what their website says, and their mutual membership in SkyTeam, members of Delta SkyMiles haven't been able to book Aeroflot flights with miles for some time. Whether it's Delta blocking the option, or Aeroflot withholding the flights, however, I'm not sure.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
27 Sep 2017
Total posts 31
Hi Chris,
Agree 100% and not disputing it one bit, but that, of course, is subject to change. One would hope that both DL & SU can set their differences aside sooner rather than later and provide their members with a reward that both deserve.
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