Lufthansa's cabin revolution begins: double bed in first class and double suite in business class
The German national airline, soon to be a partner of ITA Airways if the sale is approved, today showed live [...]
Lufthansa
Star Alliance
The German flag carrier, soon to be a partner of ITA Airways if the sale is approved, showed live for the first time today the new booths intended to entirely revamp the offerings on board the long-haul aircraft in the LH fleet. The news had been anticipated in recent months e Now we go from renders to real chairs, a move the German carrier aims to refresh its offerings aboard wide-body aircraft that, To date, it is one of the worst in the world.
Where the new cabins will be installed
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By 2025, the Lufthansa Group will invest a total of 2.5 billion euros in products and services. The new "Allegris" cabins will be installed on more than 80 aircraft that Lufthansa will receive in the coming years: the Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-9. The most interesting news is also the confirmation that aircraft already in service with Lufthansa, like the Boeing 747-8, will be renewed. In total, more than 27 thousand seats will be replaced, a titanic feat unique in history for the carrier.
The first time this cabin was announced was back in 2017 and it was supposed to come on board in 2020, but then plans came to a halt not only because of the pandemic.
In first class the double bed
The product designed for Lufthansa will be introduced on new Airbus A350s entering service in 2024, the cabin called Allegris, will offer the most exclusive passengers a Plus Suite, a separate double cabin with walls high to the ceiling and a fully closable door, a large table and two large seats that can be joined into a comfortable double bed.
"With this private flying room, Lufthansa sets a new standard in terms of comfort and individuality within its most sophisticated class of travel," so reads the press release, but it is surely much smoke and mirrors, since in any case it will not be nothing comparable to what Singapore Airlines offers on its A380s. Also because, for example, on Singapore the two first-class passengers in the double bed have one 32″ monitor each, whereas here you will be forced to watch the same program.
"The features of the First Class Suite," the note continues, "are unmatched anywhere in the world: guests can heat or cool their nearly meter-wide seats in the suite according to their personal needs and connect their mobile device to the entertainment system. Passengers will have a closet to change comfortably and have all their personal belongings within easy reach."
New business class
A suite of sorts will also be installed for business class passengers, or rather for only those passengers who choose the middle seats in the first row. In addition to this a 27-inch monitor and plenty of room for their personal belongings.
All other guests, in a configuration that when viewed from above resembles a beehive, will be able to enjoy an armchair at last with direct access to the hallway, which offers even more comfort and privacy thanks to chest-high walls and sliding doors. Each suite also offers its own wardrobe and personal minibar.
"With "Allegris," freedom of choice for business class guests has never been greater. Travelers can choose from six additional seat options, depending on whether they want an extra-long 2.20-meter bed, extra space and work area, a seat with a baby crib, or simply an exclusive seat directly next to the window. A double seat is also available, where the center console can be set back to turn it into a reclining top for two."
The seats can, of course, be converted into a bed at least two meters long and also offer high-definition (4K) screens, generously sized dining tables, wireless charging, noise-canceling headphones, and Bluetooth connectivity. All seats are also equipped with a heating and cooling system, which offers business class travelers the flexibility to set their own temperature. Each seat will be fully manageable with a tablet to allow the passenger to customize all seating, lighting, heating/cooling and entertainment functions.
Economy and Premium Economy
Nothing new in this respect for passengers who will be flying in the rear of the plane. Certainly the IFE screen will be larger and of better quality, but there will be no special revolutions or surprises.
In conclusion
Good, but not great. Nearly 10 years of delay is not a short time, and by the time these seats arrive on the entire fleet they will probably be overtaken by newer, more modern concepts that the world's airlines have under consideration right now. For passengers loyal to LH it will be a real revolution given the now "outdated" standard of premium seats of the German carrier and its subsidiaries.
