Whereas particulars stay restricted as of now, Saudia has introduced plans to introduce new plane interiors all through its vast physique fleet. Sure, that’s not only for newly delivered plane, but additionally for present ones.
Saudia companions with Collins Aerospace on new cabin interiors
Saudia and Collins Aerospace have signed an settlement, meant to raise the passenger expertise for Saudia passengers. Primarily based on what we all know thus far:
- New interiors might be put in on Saudia’s upcoming Boeing 787 order (comprised of 787-9s and 787-10s), with planes as a result of be delivered as of early 2026
- Saudia will aggressively retrofit its present vast physique fleet, together with Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s; this undertaking will happen between late 2025 and late 2027
- Saudia claims that the enterprise class cabins throughout the provider’s vast physique fleet will consist of personal suites; separate from this, Saudia is introducing a brand new enterprise class suite on its upcoming Airbus A321XLRs
What’s not completely clear to me is to what extent the present vast physique fleet might be retrofitted. For instance, there’s no point out of present 787s being reconfigured. Moreover, will we simply see 777s with lengthy haul interiors reconfigured, or additionally people who primarily function shorter flights?
Okay, admittedly Saudia isn’t a primary alternative amongst many people within the West, however there’s no denying that the airline has been investing in its passenger expertise, and it’s good to see this newest announcement as effectively. Competitors in Saudi Arabia is heating up, with Riyadh Air anticipated to launch in 2025.
What new enterprise class might Saudia introduce?
Saudia has an extended historical past of partnering with Collins Aerospace on its interiors. For instance, a lot of Saudia’s vast physique plane have Collins Aerospace Diamond seats, that are in a 2-2-2 configuration. These are primarily used for brief and medium haul routes.
In the meantime a lot of Saudia’s 777s and 787s function Collins Aerospace Tremendous Diamond seats, that are in a 1-2-1 configuration. These are primarily used for lengthy haul routes.
With that in thoughts, what can we anticipate from the brand new product? All we are able to do is speculate as of now. Whereas it’s potential that Saudia and Collins Aerospace companion on some newly designed seat, that appears unlikely to me.
Reasonably, I think that Saudia could choose the Collins Aerospace Components seat. That is an evolution of the Tremendous Diamond seat, because it’s a reverse herringbone seat with a door. The launch buyer for this product was Starlux on its A350s. I had the prospect to do this product, and it’s distinctive, amongst my favourite enterprise class seats on the market. The second airline to supply these seats is Etihad on its newly delivered 787s.
Whereas this product can simply be put in on 777s and 787s, I’m undecided how this set up would work on an A330, given the slender fuselage. Maybe they’ll give you a customized resolution there.
Backside line
Saudia is partnering with Collins Aerospace on new plane interiors. These might be put in on newly delivered 787s as of early 2026, and also will be retrofitted on present 777s and A330s as of late 2025. It’s good to see the airline investing in its passenger expertise. I’m curious to see what product Saudia selects — the Collins Aerospace Components seat appears most probably, however who is aware of.
What are you anticipating from Saudia’s new enterprise class product?
