Health is clearly becoming the foundation of the premium cabin experience. Brown sees the future of biometric responsiveness – the seat passively monitors hydration and posture or adjusts lighting to your circadian rhythm (Collins Aerospace introduces its tall wood lighting system, which is designed to do that. “Everyone benefits when this happens.”
Goode quoted Finnair Airlounge, a commercial-level seat his team once again developed with Collins Aerospace, a reaction led by lifestyle. “It’s a non-mechanical seat, more like a sofa. Lighter, more flexible, built for sports. It reflects a domestic way of thinking, not just a aviation.”
Of course, the problem with airlines is that innovation in this space of strict regulation and risk avoidance is not easy. “Airlines usually have to offer the same thing, but better,” Good said. But that didn’t stop the experiment. PriestMangoode’s latest concept, Maya (developed by Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics Corporation), is a curve-surrounded screen, 3D-woven material, and seats with sound adsorption and tactile vibration. “Passengers will not only watch entertainment,” Good said. “They will interact with their own microenvironment.”
So, since there is no more cabin plane space to conquer, the next game-changing business class feature will not be a larger berth or screen. Not on the boat. No emotional lighting. The aviation industry is building on a technological leap that will generate learning, adapting and responsive cabins. Personalize features, not performances. The best technology is hidden where not display. And, not only is luxury measured in inches, but emotionally impactful, airlines can give when you like these movie choices and peruse the wine list.
But until we reach a reality, your Lie-Flat Pod knows who you are when you approach the singular seat, which is the plan that major airlines plan to use aircraft services in 2025.
United Airlines
In its debut in May 2025, Manchester United’s eight “VIP” Polaris Studio packages are 25% higher than the space in standard Polaris seats, located in the front of each business class. With a 27-inch 4K OLED screen (from 19-inch long), privacy doors, companion’s Ottawa Empire and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, the new studio is designed to try to cater for work and downtime. There is also a new caviar service and a retro-style Sundae with tillamook flavor that enhances the on-board experience.
Air France
Starting in July this year, Air France will launch a new Sofitel My Bed mattress from French hotel brands. The latest iteration of airline business class seats is a top with natural wool and full-grain French leather (obviously an organic feel). “Rich sauce” with snow peas and yellow carrots. )
%2520Mattress%2520Pad%2520-%2520Business%2520Cabin%2520%25C2%25A9Air%2520France.jpg)
Qatar Airways
The next generation of the Qsuite is launched on a Boeing 777-9 aircraft and features nearly 4.75-foot suite walls and sliding doors, the highest in the sky. Passengers can choose to sit in a quadrilateral layout around the shared table or convert two central seats into double beds. QSuite passengers also get a 4K OLED HDR 10+ Panasonic Astrova screen (apparently world-first) and lockable storage space for valuables, which will innovate and marry intimacy.
Riyadh Air
The new Saudi airline will take off by the end of 2025 and benefit greatly from the generous investments of the country’s sovereign wealth funds. There is no expense, the cabin itself was designed by the British company Priestmangoode. The business class seat is a Safran’s Unity model and already has Devialet speakers integrated into the headrest, so travelers don’t need to wear headphones. In the front of the cabin, four business elite suites come with 32-inch 4K OLED screens (10 inches larger than the rest of the business class) and can also be used as a double bed for couples.
