Lufthansa reveals ‘new’ A350 business class

Psst: Lufthansa has a new Airbus A350 business class seat. Okay, so ‘new’ is a matter of perspective.

Yes, it’s a new seat for the German flag-carrier, and with direct aisle access for all passengers it’s a definite step up from the dated 2-2-2 business class of Lufthansa’s other A350s (below).

But put away thoughts of this being a revolutionary new design that raises the bar for business class and pushes the premium travel envelope.

Nope: Lufthansa’s latest A350s happen to be former Philippine Airlines jets – ditched as the carrier trimmed its costs and fleet – and they sport the same business class as PAL debuted on them in 2018 (a seat based on the popular Vantage XL design from Thompson Aero).

Lufthansa has refreshed the seats with new coverings, but apart from that, here’s what travellers turning left when they board these A350s will see.

No, sorry, that’s Philippine Airlines’ A350 business class.

This is what Lufthansa’s A350 flyers will see. There’s really quite a difference.

The Star Alliance member begins flying the first of four ex-Philippine Airlines A350s this week, with the other three to follow in the coming weeks – they’re expected to be dedicated to routes from Munich to Canada, including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa is still waiting to roll out its long-promised next-generation business class – revealed in 2017, and also developed by Thompson Aero – on the delayed Boeing 777-9s, which the airline is now unlikely to see until 2026.

The airline also plans a fresh take on first class for ten Airbus A350s to be based at its Munich hub, while its second-gen premium economy seat will be fitted across the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 747-8 flagships, along with the much-delayed Boeing 777-9.