The air travel industry heavyweights just set a new standard of luxury.
Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways debuted groundbreaking additions to their respective business class offerings Monday, telling industry leaders at the Farnborough International Airshow that the new suites would revolutionise luxury air travel.
Turkish Airlines introduced the Crystal Business Class suite, which replaces the standard two-three-two seating layout with a one-two-one arrangement, allowing direct aisle access for all passengers.
Key improvements include adjustable doors and privacy panels, increased seat width and additional footwell space. Amenities have been modernised, with new ambient and reading lights, universal and Type C power outlets, wireless charging, noise-cancelling headphones and a larger in-flight entertainment screen.
The new suites will feature marble-inspired tables, rose gold finishes and fabrics sourced from Türkiye.
“Our Crystal Business Class suite will add a new chapter for our long-haul luxury travel,” said Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat, before explaining the upgrades will extend to Turkish Airlines' Airbus A350s and retrofitted Boeing 777s. “[The suites] will carry the airline into the future with a new level of comfort and privacy.”
Turkish Airlines aims to update 50% of its fleet by the end of 2026.
Qatar Airways, meanwhile, announced its highly anticipated Qsuite Next Gen, featuring revamped Quad Suites and a new Companion Suite, plus larger lie-flat beds, enhanced privacy with taller, digitally controlled dividers and a turn-down service.
The redesigned Quad Suite features 4K Panasonic screens that can swivel against the wall, making it a world-first for any airline. The innovation allows up to four passengers to connect their suites into a 'family' configuration, creating the “largest social and productivity space in the sky.” The new Companion Suite mode similarly allows adjacent window aisles to merge, ideal for ‘face-to-face’ dining.
“We are excited to have finally revealed the long-awaited Qsuite Next Gen,” said Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. “We continue to build on our promise of delivering unparalleled excellence in each and every iteration of our products and services.”
The fleet will feature on Qatar Airways’ Boeing B777-9 aircraft by 2025.
Supplied image: Qatar Airways.
