Lufthansa is introducing a fresh approach to first class with an exciting and private two-person suite. This innovative suite cleverly transforms into a spacious double bed measuring 1.4 meters wide, allowing travel companions to enjoy an in-flight experience reminiscent of a private room among the clouds.
The brand-new Allegris first class will appear in 2024 aboard a fleet of Airbus A350 jets stationed in Munich. Subsequently, a modified version of Allegris will be introduced to the Boeing 747-8 fleet.
On the A350s, you’ll find a total of three first-class suites. Positioned in a single row with a 1-1-1 configuration, two traditional first-class suites are on either side of the unique ‘Suite Plus.’ This exceptional twin-berth suite is located in the middle.
While the ‘Suite Plus’ for two passengers is expected to be priced higher than the individual suites, it may not necessarily be twice the cost.
In contrast to the 77 cm offered by its neighboring window suites, the luxuriously roomy central suite stands out with its magnificent 3.7 square meter footprint and offers a substantial 117 cm seating area. This specific suite is loved by both couples looking for a lavish getaway and singles needing more space and seclusion.
Flexible seating options are available for couples traveling together. With the added convenience of an extra-large table, they can decide whether to sit next to one another or face one another. The suite also offers a wonderful “dine on demand” service, which gives meals a lovely restaurant-like atmosphere.
The ottoman is neatly placed immediately beneath the massive 4K video screen, which is noteworthy. It may easily glide forward for maximum passenger comfort while the backrest pivots up and out.
The mock-up’s selection of materials and finish demonstrates Lufthansa’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to accurately reproducing the ultimate first-class flying experience.
Since only the Suite Plus was displayed at the Berlin launch, we can confidently say it has enough room to accommodate four passengers. Two people can sit in the main seating area, and two can perch on the ottomans. With this arrangement, you may throw a cosy cocktail party or play a rousing game of cards with other first-class travelers.
The first-class suites on all three Allegris A350 aircraft share several amenities meant to improve the traveler experience. These include walls almost as high as the ceiling, providing a feeling of seclusion and exclusivity. Additionally, each suite has a sizable personal wardrobe that will provide enough for all of your possessions.
The Allegris suites have individual heating and cooling systems to ensure maximum comfort. With the help of this special function, you may design a custom “micro-climate” within your suite based entirely on your tastes.
You will not have to put up with a cabin that is either too hot or too cold any more. Cool air circulates underneath the seat to maintain a comfortable and regulated temperature while the warming panels built into the seat cushions deliver moderate heat reminiscent of heated seats in automobiles.
With the floor-to-ceiling design of the new Lufthansa first-class suites, the cabin eliminates the need for overhead bins. Instead, Lufthansa has ingeniously incorporated a standard-sized cabin bag storage within each suite. The ‘Suite Plus’ in the middle has ample space for accommodate two cabin bags.
Notably, the ‘Suite Plus’ features a single door positioned to the left of the suite, differing from the suites on the right side of the cabin that open on both sides of the aisle.
Consequently, the solo suite on the right side of the cabin offers a slightly more secluded and private atmosphere than its counterpart on the left.
Creating Lufthansa’s new Allegris first class
Lufthansa explored four distinct concepts for its Allegris first class before ultimately settling on the exclusive design created collaboratively by Lufthansa and London-based PriestmanGoode.
Notably, PriestmanGoode has been a trusted partner of the Lufthansa Group since 1999, having contributed to various projects such as Lufthansa’s A380 first class and business class cabins.
The ultimate goal was to create an in-flight experience that exuded the comfort and ambiance of a luxurious home setting. The focus right from the start was on prioritizing privacy, surpassing the level of openness found in Lufthansa’s current first-class configuration.
While the seats or beds size was already satisfactory, there was room for improvement, allowing for a little extra space. However, the key emphasis was on ensuring maximum privacy for passengers.
To achieve this, the design called for sliding doors and taller walls. However, adhering to safety regulations, particularly those related to rapid decompression incidents and maintaining adequate airflow throughout the cabin, the walls do not extend from floor to ceiling, thus not completely enclosing each first-class suite.
Airbus took great care to ensure excellent ventilation within the first-class suites. It’s something you might not immediately consider, but Airbus conducted a mock-up to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ventilation system with both closed and open doors.
Speaking of the doors themselves, they resemble sliding panels. Lufthansa’s distinctive Maastricht blue fabric envelops a foam panel, and the doors are designed to snap together securely in the middle using a robust magnetic closure.
Each Allegris first-class suite boasts an impressive width of nearly one meter. The suite features a spacious ottoman that faces the passenger, which conveniently doubles as a second seat for a travel companion.
This additional seat even comes equipped with its own seatbelt, allowing for a comfortable and secure experience, whether it’s enjoying a meal together or engaging in conversation around the generously-sized table.
Initially, Lufthansa’s new first-class offering will be exclusively available on its Airbus A350s based in Munich. It will not be extended immediately to the Boeing 787s or the long-awaited Boeing 777-9.
