The 10 Upcoming Business Class Products We're Most Excited For
With airlines doing away with first class, it is more crucial than ever to offer competitive business-class products. Most airlines make the majority of their revenue on long-haul flights from premium seats. When an airline offers a subpar business class, even at a lower price, that airline will lose out on valuable premium revenue.
So it's no surprise that airlines across the globe are working to improve their business classes. Gone are the days of angled lie-flat seats and overhead TV monitors. In 2019, major airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines will debut cutting-edge business-class products.
These products will feature fully lie-flat seats and even privacy doors. With these products set to take to the sky over the next few years, now is the time to strategize on how to earn enough points or miles to be able to try these new business-class products out for yourself.
Related: Guide to Airline Companion Tickets
With 2019 and 2020 set to become landmark years for new premium products, TPG has compiled a list of the top 10 business-class products we're most excited for. The first few on this list will be no surprise, but there are still a couple in there that will make AvGeek tongues wag.
1) British Airways Club World Business Class
Finally. After a decade of offering what has become a severely outdated business-class product, a new Club World seat is set to take to the skies.
British Airways' new Club World Suite is just weeks away from making its first flight. British Airways will operate intra-European flights featuring this all-new product when the airline's first Airbus A350 goes into service this month. The A350 will be the first aircraft in the fleet to feature the new Club World Suite, with the product making its way to other long-haul aircraft over the next few years.
Related: See TPG's Full Overview of The New Club World Seat
Though travelers will have to wait a few years before the new Club World Suite is found on board most of the airline's long-haul aircraft, it looks like the wait will be worth it — the seats will eschew the current 2-4-2 layout in favor of a much more competitive 1-2-1 configuration, and each seat will feature a sliding privacy door, direct aisle access and a swanky design including wood finishes.
| British Airways New Club World Suites | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: Summer 2019 |
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2) Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class product is already competitive in many ways, but the seat itself currently found on the majority of the airline's aircraft is fairly outdated, consisting of fully lie-flat seats in a herringbone configuration. While the current seat is comfortable enough, there are plenty of downsides, including limited recline, seats that don't allow for views out the window and severely limited storage space.
Luckily, Virgin Atlantic's new Upper Class product addresses these complaints — and does so with the airline's typical flair. The new, fully lie-flat seat in a 1-2-1 configuration is the first of its kind. Other notable features include a new inflight-entertainment system that can be linked to a passenger's mobile device via Bluetooth, a sliding privacy partition and increased storage. Upper Class passengers will also be able to socialize in the airline's new Loft, which will replace the onboard bar.
Related: TPG's Full Coverage of Virgin Atlantic's New Upper Class "Suite"
Like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic will debut its new Upper Class seat with the delivery of its first Airbus A350, which is scheduled to enter service on September 10, 2019, on flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and New York-JFK.
| Virgin Atlantic's New Upper Class "Suite" | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: September 10, 2019 |
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3) Lufthansa's New Business Class
There is no question that Lufthansa offers one of the world's top first-class products of any airline. However, the airline's current business-class product leaves a lot to be desired, with a solid soft product in business class brought down by seats that are far from competitive.
Thus the relief when, in 2017, Lufthansa unveiled the airline's next-generation business-class seat, which looks like it's going to be a big upgrade. Lufthansa passengers will finally be able to enjoy a business-class product that features direct-aisle access. The new seat also features throne seats in the center of the cabin.
Review: Lufthansa's Current Business Class Review
Unfortunately, most travelers are going to have to wait a while before they're able to fly in Lufthansa's new business class. Lufthansa's Boeing 777X (expected in 2020) will be the first aircraft to feature the new seats, with other long-haul aircraft receiving the product over the next few years.
| Lufthansa's New Business Class | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: TBD 2020 |
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4) Air France Business Class on the A350
Air France's business-class product has come a long way in recent years. It wasn't until recently that AF's biz product made the transition from angled-flat to fully lie-flat seats. Though its latest business-class product is already very competitive, Air France's Airbus A350 will feature a new business-class product that appears to be a slight upgrade over the product found on the airline's Boeing 777s and some Airbus wide-bodies.
The new product will be in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access from every seat. It will feature Zodiac's Optima business-class seat and looks to be quite similar to TAP Air Portugal's business-class seat on its Airbus A330-900neos.
Related: Review of Air France's A330 Business Class
| Air France's A350 Business Class Product | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: October 2019 |
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5) Turkish Airlines' New Business Class
Travelers either love or hate Turkish Airlines' current business-class product. While Turkish offers what might be one of the best soft products in the sky, the airline's seats are underwhelming.
Finally, with the arrival of Turkish Airlines' Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, the airline's business-class product is set to receive a big upgrade, thanks to the Stelia Aerospace Aurora business-class seat. In a 1-2-1 configuration, all seats will be fully lie-flat and feature direct-aisle access. The stunning new product features an 18-inch IFE display, privacy dividers between seats in the center of the cabin, and Alcantara-padded seat pods. This new biz class will be quite similar to what is found on Singapore Airlines' regional widebody aircraft.
Unfortunately, Turkish Airlines has no plans to retrofit its existing fleet. The new Turkish Airlines business-class seat, which will be flying to North America starting in early August 2019, will be found exclusively on the airline's Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s.
Related: Turkish Airlines Business Class Review
| Turkish Airlines New 787/A350 Business Class Product | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: 787s already flying |
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6) EgyptAir Business Class
EgyptAir offers a pretty mediocre business-class product on its long-haul routes operated with Boeing 777s or Airbus A330s, with seats configured either in a 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 layout. However, now that it's flying brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners between Cairo (CAI) and Washington Dulles (IAD) and soon New York-JFK, passengers will be able to enjoy fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
We haven't been on board yet, but the airline is using the B/E Aerospace Super Diamond reverse herringbone seat, which is the same product that many airlines including American Airlines use on the 787. Though it's not the best seat in the sky, it's sure to be a massive improvement over EgyptAir's current product.
Related: EgyptAir Business Class Review
| EgyptAir's New Business Class Product | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: October 2019 |
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7) Aeroflot Airbus A350 Business Class
Another airline with a rather large international route network that offers an underwhelming business-class product is Aeroflot, which has never been known for luxury. This might change when Aeroflot takes delivery of the airline's first Airbus A350, featuring a brand-new business-class product.
This product was only recently confirmed, with few details. It is speculated that, like EgyptAir, Aeroflot will install a seat similar to that on American Airlines' Boeing 787-9s and WestJet's Boeing 787-9s. This means that, for the first time in the airline's history, Aeroflot will offer a business-class product with direct-aisle access for all seats.
Related: Aeroflot Premium Economy Review
| Aeroflot's New Business Class | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: March 2020 |
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8) China Southern Airbus A350 Business Class
Soon, yet another business class seat will enter the trans-Pacific market. China Southern is set to introduce its latest business-class product with the introduction of the Airbus A350 into its fleet.
China Southern's Airbus A350s will feature Recaro lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, which will certainly be competitive on trans-Pacific routes. Though the product looks quite comfortable, the blue leather seats, beige plastic and light "wood" trim color scheme leaves a lot to be desired, in our opinion.
The airline will take delivery of its first A350 later this summer and will initially fly between Chinese cities before operating long-haul flights.
Related: China Southern Business Class Review
| China Southern's A350 Business Class | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: July 2019 |
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9) Pakistan International Airlines Business Class
Pakistan International Airlines operates a fleet of Boeing 777s on long-haul flights. Though some of these aircraft are fairly new, the business-class product found on its 777s is very dated. PIA offers angle-flat seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. As one might imagine, the experience isn't best-in-class. However, PIA will offer lie-flat seats with direct-aisle access in the near future.
Related: Pakistan International Airlines New Branding
PIA has not officially announced the product, but there are confirmed reports that the airline has agreed to install the Stelia Aerospace Solstys seat on select Boeing 777s sometime in 2019. The Solstys business-class seat is quite basic but still comfortable. It's found on Alitalia and Iberia long-haul aircraft, among others.
| Pakistan International Airlines New Business Class | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: TBD |
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10) Air New Zealand Business Class
The last product on this list has yet to be announced, so details are scarce. However, reports indicate that Air New Zealand is developing its new business class seat in-house.
There is speculation that Air New Zealand will introduce its new business-class product when the airline takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-10. Since Air New Zealand only recently placed an order for the aircraft, its first -10 won't be delivered until 2022.
Related: Air New Zealand Orders The Largest Boeing 787 Dreamliner
There are reports that Air New Zealand will announce its new business-class product as early as the end of this year. Until more details are announced, we will have to wait in suspense.
| Air New Zealand's New Business Class | First Routes | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Entry Into Service: TBA |
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Bottom Line
With business class more or less becoming the "new first class," airlines across the globe are investing heavily in creating top-tier products with the goal of attracting coveted business-traveler dollars. And for those with a stash of points and miles, all this innovation means traveling up front is about to get even better. We can't wait to get onboard the products mentioned above to find out for ourselves.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.