Saudia Unveils New Business Class on Airbus A321XLR

Introducing Saudia's Airbus A321XLR

In May 2023, Saudia Airlines revealed plans to introduce an entirely new business class product on its upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Although the initial rollout was expected in 2024, production delays have pushed back this timeline. However, the airline recently welcomed its first A321XLR into its fleet.

The Airbus A321XLR is not just a new aircraft model; it also offers an exciting experience for customers with its upgraded business class seating. This aircraft has a remarkable range of 4,700 nautical miles, allowing Saudia to operate flights to a diverse array of international destinations.

Details About the Aircraft

Saudia has ordered a total of 15 Airbus A321XLRs, with the first one, registered as HZ-ASBA, now part of the fleet. These aircraft will serve routes to Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa, including cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Milan, Rome, Dakar, and the Maldives.

The A321XLRs are expected to enter service in early June 2026, featuring a configuration of 144 seats per aircraft, comprising 24 business class seats and 120 economy class seats. This setup promises one of the most luxurious passenger experiences available on A321 aircraft.

New Business Class Seats on the A321XLR

Saudia will equip its Airbus A321XLRs with Thompson's VantageSOLO seats. These seats can recline fully flat and provide easy access to the aisle for passengers. While specific details about the new product have yet to be fully disclosed, the images of these seats suggest a modern and comfortable design.

Investment in Premium Products

Saudia's upgrade to its business class seating system highlights the airline's commitment to enhancing passenger experience. In 2018, Saudia began installing flat-bed seats on its narrow-body aircraft with the Diamond seats from Collins Aerospace on its A320s. Now, the airline is making a significant leap forward with substantial improvements to its offerings.

The VantageSOLO seats are well-known in the industry, having become a standard for flat-bed seating on next-generation narrow-body aircraft. JetBlue has adopted these seats for its Mint product on A321LRs and some A321neos, aiming to provide a similar experience while adding unique touches for Saudia.

Passenger Experience and Lessons from JetBlue

The new cabin layout that Saudia utilizes for its business class offers ample space, with bulkhead seats designed to be more spacious. JetBlue refers to this concept as the Mint Studio, where customers can pay an additional fee to select these seats. This could be seen as a “business class plus” offering.

Moreover, while the standard Mint Suite seats are also excellent, they do not provide the same space as the bulkhead seats. In summary, the fully flat seats and direct aisle access are significant advantages of Saudia's new product, although some passengers may still prefer the herringbone-style seating.

Conclusion

Saudia has begun receiving its new Airbus A321XLRs, with a total of 15 aircraft on order. All these planes will feature a configuration of 144 seats, including 24 business class and 120 economy class seats. With the VantageSOLO seats in its business class offering, Saudia is setting a new standard for its narrow-body fleet. This promises to be a positive step forward in enhancing the flying experience for passengers.

It’s noteworthy to mention the visa requirements for entering Saudi Arabia. Vietnamese citizens need a visa to board Saudia flights. Passengers can apply for a visa online or at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Vietnam. Additionally, be prepared to budget around 500,000 VND for various travel-related fees while there.

As for flights, tickets can be booked from both major airports in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Noi Bai (HAN). Fares from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia typically range from 10 million to 15 million VND, depending on when you book and the airline.

Article adapted and edited from source: One Mile at a Time