AIR CANADA
AVAILABILITY Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
NUMBER OF SEATS 20
ABOUT THE SEAT The seat can be extended to an 80 inches (203cm) long, 180-degree recline, fully-flat bed. The headrest is adjustable and features a massage function. Each seat also features an 18-inch touchscreen video panel and controller, universal power port, USB outlets and retractable tray table.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT The headrest's massage function can really help us take some of that stress off after a long working day.
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED With 37 B787-8s on order, the Dreamliner is going to form the future backbone of Air Canada's long-haul fleet. We have doubts that 20 premium seats will be sufficient to meet demand.
AIR FRANCE
AVAILABILITY Boeing 777-200/300ER
CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
NUMBER OF SEATS Varies based on aircraft configuration
ABOUT THE SEAT The new seat converts into a fully-flat bed, and provides every passenger with direct aisle access. Features include a 16-inch-wide HD touchscreen, touchscreen handset, electrical outlet, USB port and new noise-cancelling headphones.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT The seat shares a distinct resemblance to that seen on Cathay Pacific, which is heralded as one of the finest offerings in business class today. We love the cabin's distinctly French Tricolore finishings, leaving no doubt that you're on the way to one of Europe's proudest destinations.
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED While the dark blue leather certainly looks sleek and is easy to clean, it might not make for the cosiest feel and can get warm and sticky rather easily.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
AVAILABILITY Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9
CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
NUMBER OF SEATS 70 on A380, 28 on B787
ABOUT THE SEAT Etihad will install its new Business Studio seats in both forward and backward-facing positions. The seat converts into a fully-flat bed that is 22in wide and, when combined with a separate ottoman, is 80.5in-long with a 79in seat pitch. The space around the seat has been increased, allowing for a laptop to be placed on the side table, for instance, while a meal is served on the main table.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT Some of the design elements are gorgeous (eg the golden light stands and the Oriental-patterned fabrics), having been inspired by the aesthetics of modern Arabia.
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED Sitting in a backward-facing position during takeoff and landing is perhaps not for everyone.
QANTAS AIRWAYS
AVAILABILITY Airbus A330
CONFIGURATION 1-2-1
NUMBER OF SEATS Varies based on aircraft configuration
ABOUT THE SEAT The design is simple and functional. While some may criticise the new seat for being very “boxy”, it does offer direct aisle access, an abundance of table space, new 16-inch screens and, unlike its predecessor, converts into a fully-flat bed.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT The new seat is designed so that it can be left in recline-position during take-off and landing without interfering with the airline's safety requirements. Gone are the days of being woken up with another 45 minutes to arrival.
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED In terms of extravagance, the seat falls behind those listed here but then this is Qantas we're talking about and not a Gulf carrier – luxury is still allowed to come understated.
QATAR AIRWAYS
AVAILABILITY Select Airbus A320 and A330
CONFIGURATION 2-2 on A320, 2-2-2- on A330
NUMBER OF SEATS Varies based on aircraft type and configuration
ABOUT THE SEAT The new seat reclines into a 180-degree fully-flat position. It features a six-way adjustable headrest, four-way adjustable lumbar support, a variety of personal stowage compartments, privacy dividers, PC power, USB ports and connectivity for smart devices. There is also a 5.4-inch smart monitor and touch screenremote controller handset to navigate the 15.4-inch PTVs.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT We love the copious in-built storage options inherent in the seat's shell design as well as the seatback's multiple adjustment features – after all we're not made from the same mould and the seat's adaptability is laudable.
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED The seat does not provide direct aisle access which can easily become a frustrating story when you're stuck in a window seat at 3am and your neighbour's seat is fully extended. Happy clambering!
Clement Huang and Dominic Lalk
