Emirates is to unveil its new business class seat at international travel trade show ITB Berlin next week.
The new fully flat product will launch on the carrier’s 170th B777 aircraft which is due to be delivered in November, and is described as “evolution as well as revolution”.
Emirates’ president Sir Tim Clark said that the carrier had given its business class seat “a fresh and modern look, retained all the existing features that our customers love and added a few more, while improving the seating and sleeping comfort”.
Clark added that “We are always working towards the next big leap, but at the same time we continually look at the little ways we can enhance what we already offer”.
“We believe this new Business Class seat further strengthens the experience and value proposition for our premium customers.
“We are very excited about the arrival of our first Boeing 777 later this year with the new seats, and to see how our customers will respond to it, which I’m optimistic will be positive.”
The carrier said the new seat “was inspired by the interior of a modern sports car, captured in the diamond stitch pattern of a light grey full leather cover, ergonomically designed headrest, and its sleek overall look and feel”.
Enhanced features include improved lighting options, an expanded personal meal table, and redesigned privacy panels, literature pockets, foot rests and show stowage areas.
Other features of the fully flat seat include a 72-inch pitch, 23-inch TV screen, the carrier’s latest touchscreen IFE controller, USB and HDMI ports, and a “conveniently located mini-bar”.
The seat colour of dark and light grey with burled walnut veneers will be retained, as will the cabin’s 2-3-2 layout, and total number of business class seats on board (42).
All newly delivered B777 aircraft following the 170th delivery will feature the revamped seat.
Emirates currently has 155 B777 aircraft in its fleet, with a further 188 on order.
ITB Berlin takes places from March 9–13. Business Traveller will be attending and will report on this and other news from the show.
For Tried and Tested reviews of Emirates’ current business class offering, click here.
Mark Caswell
