Beijing-based Air China unveiled an all-new interior for its business class on the Airbus A350. Photos of the cabin, which includes strokes of traditional Chinese culture, were released on the airline's Facebook page on Friday.

Among its eye-catching design, the new cabin features mini-suite-style seats that, while still in a high-density layout, allow for passenger space and more than six feet of lie-flat bed length. The reveal comes after Air China first announced the cabin upgrades in 2021.

A look inside

The new Recaro CL6720 business class seats are a vital interior element. According to Jonny Clark from TheDesignAir, the new seats replace the existing Super Diamond seats found on the rest of the A350 fleet with a more condensed seating (LOPA). Similar to a full-size suite seen in some aircraft interiors, the seats feature full-height walls that add the benefit of privacy. However, it appears that Air China opted out of equipping the mini-suites with doors, considering the design allows for it.

Air China's version of the seat reportedly features a new design on the purple-colored seats. The blue walls on the side of the suite brighten up the cabin and pairs well with the seat color. The chairs feature the traditional look and feel of the seats on other aircraft for the carrier, but small brushes of gold trim add a deeper layer to the overarching palette, according to Clark.

Clark also mentioned an apparent downgrade of personal space compared to the Super Diamond seats, but it is unclear whether certain A350s will be utilized on specific routes.

Photo: Air China

Photo: Air China

Accommodating more while being spacious

The seat manufacturer said the CL6720 allows airline customers to travel in style.

“The CL6720 elevates luxury into new spheres with generous living space and best-in-class comfort features. It is nothing less than the next generation of business class travel. The new CL6720 creates a mini-suite experience through its’ optional sliding doors and individually adjustable settings. Increased living space and cut-edge styling with high quality trim & finish materials create what we call “traveling in style”. The generous and versatile stowage provides enough space for all personal belongings. Even though this business class seat lacks nothing, it is one of the most layout-efficient and lightest seats in the industry."

Photo: Air China

Photo: Air China

To promote its state-of-the-art new business class chair, Recaro also shared some of the highlights of its mini-suite:

• Layout Efficiency: Maximum passenger space in high-density layouts
• Mini Suite Experience: Sliding doors and privacy dividers
• Maximum Comfort: Best-in-class seat kinematic and cushion comfort
• Generous Stowage: Ample space for personal belongings
• Contemporary Design: Appealing Style, high-quality trim & finish
• Total Cost Ownership: RECARO quality and reliability in every detail

A game changer in the industry

Recaro said the CL6720 includes state-of-the-art ergonomic features such as numerous positions for comfortability, a six-way adjustable headrest, premium foam technology, and a 78" (1.98-meter) lie-flat bed length.

With the new reveal, Air China is setting the bar high for other long-haul competitors. Historically, the long-haul cabin products across Chinese carriers have fallen behind most other airlines with long-haul aircraft.

Source: TheDesignAir