The business class seat that's really a suite

By David Flynn, April 16 2015
The business class seat that's really a suite

As Airbus seeks to cram more passengers into economy, new designs for business class seats are upgrading the travel experience closer to first class.

Exhibit A: the Fusio business suite from global seat-maker Zodiac Aerospace.

Fusio offers airlines "the comfort of first class but the space of business class," claims Zodiac, which is demonstrating the seat at this week's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg in the hopes of snaring a launch customer.

Fusio's suite design incorporates a wide lounge-style seat that converts into a flat bed, a 27 inch HD video screen, built-in coat closet and plenty of storage space.

In Zodiac's crosshairs for the Fusio: international airlines looking to replace first class seats with a luxe 'business plus' offering at a business class price.

"The seat offers a much better use of space compared with other first-class seats," explains Zodiac exec Pierre-Anthony Vastra.

"We're still selling first-class seats but we also identified a category for this kind of product."

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David

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.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

20 Jan 2015

Total posts 36

First class definitely looks more comfortable. The room for your legs when the seat is flat looks tiny. I think the top of the seat looks as spacious and comfortable as first. which is where you will be looking when your in sleep position, you will be looking at the top of the seat making it appear to be as wide/spacious/confortable as first

30 Aug 2013

Total posts 437

Looks a lot like the new SQ 77W J seat

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

19 Mar 2014

Total posts 567

With the leg positioning, it looks like you would be on a funny angle when seated, with your legs to the side. That said, the features look the real deal. Not sure I'd be keen on spending 12+ hours facing backwards.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Nov 2014

Total posts 357

This looks just like SQ's current long haul J seat on A380 and 77W. 

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

13 Dec 2012

Total posts 53

It looks like these are forward and rear facing sets, whereas SQ are all forward facting

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

30 Apr 2014

Total posts 34

Same as etihad new a380 business class  which is an fantastic layout 

20 May 2014

Total posts 79

I remember Qatar Airways' CEO boasting about ordering a new super business class seat with a 'double bed' for some of their newer fleet.  Potentially this could be the seat he was referring to?

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1564

Yep, gap between proper travel classes and sardine cans widening and widening.

08 Oct 2011

Total posts 49

Needless to say, the price as well.  J = 4Y at least.


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