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Although details are limited at this time, Saudia has announced plans to introduce a new aircraft interior across its widebody fleet. Yes, this applies not only to newly delivered aircraft, but also to existing aircraft.
Saudia partners with Collins Aerospace on new cabin interiors
Saudia and Collins Aerospace have signed an agreement aimed at improving the passenger experience for Saudia passengers. Based on what we know so far:
- Saudia’s upcoming Boeing 787 aircraft orders (consisting of the 787-9 and 787-10) will have new interiors and are scheduled for delivery in early 2026.
- Saudia plans to aggressively retrofit its existing widebody fleet, including the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777.The project is scheduled to be implemented from the end of 2025 to the end of 2027
- Saudia claims that the business class cabins of its wide-body vehicles will consist of private suites. Separately, Saudia is introducing a new business class suite on the upcoming Airbus A321XLR.
What is not entirely clear to me is the extent to which existing widebody vehicles will be refurbished. For example, there is no mention of existing 787s being reconfigured. Furthermore, will there be only 777s with reconfigured interiors for long-haul routes, or will there also be 777s that primarily operate short-haul flights?
Granted, Saudia Airlines isn’t the first choice for many of us living in Western countries, but there’s no denying that the airline is investing in the passenger experience, and this latest announcement is also pleasing. Competition in Saudi Arabia is heating up, with Riyadh Air set to launch in 2025.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Saudia-New-Livery-1.jpg)
What new business class could Saudia introduce?
Saudia has a long history of partnering with Collins Aerospace on interiors. For example, many of Saudia’s widebody aircraft feature Collins Aerospace Diamond seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. These are primarily used for short and medium-haul routes.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Saudia-777-Business-Class.jpg)
Meanwhile, many of Saudia’s 777s and 787s feature Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. These are primarily used for long-haul routes.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Saudia-Suite-7.jpg)
With that in mind, what can we expect from the new product? We can only speculate at this point. It’s possible that Saudia and Collins Aerospace will partner on a newly designed seat, but that seems unlikely to me.
Rather, I think Saudia will choose Collins Aerospace Elements seats. This is a reverse herringbone seat with a door that is an evolution of the Super Diamond seat. The launch customer for this product was Starlux on the A350. I had the opportunity to try this product and it was definitely one of my favorite business class seats. His second airline to offer these seats is Etihad Airways on his newly delivered 787 aircraft.
This product is easy to install on a 777 or 787, but I’m not sure how this installation would work on the A330, which has a narrower fuselage. Perhaps they will come up with a custom solution there.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Starlux-Business-Class-A350-11.jpeg)
conclusion
Saudia is partnering with Collins Aerospace on new aircraft interiors. These will be installed on newly delivered 787s in early 2026, and will also be retrofitted to existing 777s and A330s in late 2025. It’s great to see airlines investing in the passenger experience. I’m curious to see what products Saudia will choose. Collins Aerospace Elements seats seem most likely, but who knows?
What do you expect from Saudia’s new business class product?
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