Airbus A350 First Class Master Suite Concept: Cool, But Is It Practical?

Airbus has just unveiled a pretty jaw-dropping first class cabin concept, designed specifically for the A350-1000. However, will any airline actually ever introduce this?

Airbus’ incredible A350-1000 first class suite concept

At the Aircraft Interiors Expo, Air France has revealed a new first class cabin concept, developed by the company’s in-house design team, specifically for the Airbus A350-1000. This is a cabin in a 1-1-1 layout, and the highlight of this is called the First Class Master Suite, which is located in the center of the cabin, between two aisles, and can accommodate two passengers.

This first class suite features a dedicated lavatory, changing area, bar, and double bed. The idea is that the suite features a large couch and ottoman, and that can then be reclined to create a bed. Given the lack of windows, the center suite has cool lighting features, so that the private space can be transformed to feel like it’s day or night.

While Airbus hasn’t said much about the two suites at the windows, presumably they’d be more in line with traditional first class suites.

Obviously anyone can create an image of an amazing looking first class product, but Airbus is highlighting the economics and logistics. The idea is that the floor space that was previously taken up with lavatories and storage would be relocated outside the main revenue area (passenger accommodation), in a new center module, just behind the first set of doors, opposite the cockpit door. Furthermore, the access stairs for the pilot crew rest compartment would be relocated, to maximize ceiling height in the suite.

So, why does Airbus even create concepts like this, when it’s unlikely any airline will introduce such a product? As it’s described, the aim is to “inspire potential customers and to demonstrate how the new centre module realises a true first class cabin that can be accommodated in the flagship A350-1000.” Airbus also welcomes feedback from customers to further shape the vision of the concept.

Why this first class suite concept isn’t practical

We are increasingly seeing airlines move to a 1-1-1 layout in first class, especially on the Airbus A350. For example, Japan Airlines’ A350-1000 first class is in that configuration, and Qantas’ A350-1000 first class is also expected to have such a layout.

For that matter, Lufthansa’s new Allegris A350-900 first class is in a 1-1-1 layout, and is a similar general concept to what Airbus is proposing, with a center suite that can accommodate two people. Of course it goes without saying that this Airbus prototype looks way better.

However, I just don’t buy the concept of these double suites, and I don’t think they make much commercial sense:

• At the the end of the day, creating a wide double suite comes at the expense of offering a great first class suite along the windows, since it’s a zero sum game in terms of how you utilize cabin width
• It just doesn’t make sense to have one-third of first class suites exclusively be able to accommodate couples; sure, there will be demand for that on some flights, but it’s really hard to manage inventory and maximize revenue for such a setup
• This concept only works for a cabin with one row of first class seats, and not for a cabin with two rows of first class seats, given that the features are largely about efficiently utilizing space at the very front of the cabin

If you ask me, the real area for innovation would be creating an A350-1000 first class product where you have individual suites that can somehow connect to form a larger space. That would give airlines valuable flexibility to sell the seats individually, while also allowing pairs to travel together in those suites, should they want to. Presumably this would need to be a product with at least two rows, so that seats behind one another can combine in some sort of way.

Bottom line

Airbus has unveiled a new first class concept designed specifically for the A350-1000. It’s called the First Class Master Suite, and the intent is that space can be utilized more efficiently so that there’s a double suite in the center of the first row of the cabin.

What do you make of Airbus’ A350 First Class Master Suite concept?