Airlines differentiate between mini-suites and maxi-suites in business class

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Runway Girl Network | Runway Girl Network

By Sky Industry News

Sep 7, 2024

In the late 2010s, as the doored suite category of aircraft seating transitioned from first class to business class, regulators began referring to them as “mini-suites.” The term "mini" underscores a key visibility distinction between a first-class suite with doors and walls that flight attendants cannot see over, and a business-class suite where the walls and doors are low enough for clear visibility.

As business class suites have evolved, some airlines are differentiating based on the height of their suite walls and doors, impacting privacy. After multiple flights in various products and experiences at manufacturer facilities and trade shows, it is evident that higher-walled suites offer significantly more privacy for passengers.

This additional privacy is beneficial but requires airlines to redesign service patterns to avoid passengers feeling ignored or startled by flight attendants appearing unexpectedly. These issues are critical for long-haul network airlines, where business class is an economic pillar.

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To distinguish these new onboard products from mini-suites, they can be termed “maxi-suites.” Examples of maxi-suites include Japan Airlines' implementation of the Safran Unity product, Qatar Airways' second-generation Qsuite produced by Adient, and Lufthansa's front row Business Suite within the Allegris cabin. The first-generation Qsuite is considered borderline but leans towards being a maxi-suite.

Determining the height line between mini-suites and maxi-suites depends on several factors: seat pan height, door height, wall height, translucency, and transparency. Some seat platforms offer both mini-suite and maxi-suite options due to flexible door and wall heights designed by seatmakers.

JAL’s version of Unity exemplifies a maxi-suite. The Starlux Airbus A350 features Collins Elements as both a maxi-suite (first class) and mini-suite (business class). Lufthansa’s Allegris business offers both a maxi-suite and no-suite option within the same cabin.

Examples above and below the mini-maxi line include:

Maxi-suites:

- Japan Airlines A350 business (Safran Unity)

- Lufthansa A350 Allegris (Business Suite only)

- Qatar Airways second-generation Qsuites (Adient)

- Starlux A350 first class (Collins Elements)

Mini-suites:

- British Airways Club Suite (Collins Super Diamond)

- Delta One suites (Thompson Vantage XL+)

- Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class suites (Thompson Vantage XL+)

- Qatar Airways 787 Business Suite (Adient)

The effect of mini versus maxi-suites also depends on passenger height — taller passengers may have fewer visibility issues than shorter ones. In design terms, maxi-suites benefit from regulatory precedents set by mini-suites regarding cabin visibility and emergency egress.

The trend towards maxi-suites seems likely to continue. Key questions include weight considerations, use of translucent materials, service design adaptations, communication methods, and call bell usage in onboard service discussions.

Renderings suggest Qantas’ version of Unity is shorter than JAL’s implementation.

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