Take a look at this first-of-its kind lie-flat business class seat Flydubai is installing in its Boeing 737 MAX jets

Taylor RainsMay 12, 2023, 15:55 IST

Flydubai's recent unveiled its upgraded lie-flat business class seat called VUE.Flydubai

Emirates partner airline Flydubai operates an all-Boeing fleet across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The carrier recently introduced a new business-class cabin built exclusively for narrowbody planes.

Modern widebody planes like have been the workhorses of long-haul travel for decades, especially as inefficient quad-engine jets continue to phase out.

But flyer preference has changed over the years in favor of direct routes which can be flown with smaller planes. Recent years have even seen airlines shift to modern single-aisle planes like the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321neo on some long-haul routes.

One side-effect of this strategy is the need for improved business class on these single-aisle jets — traditional recliners won't do. This evolution comes as people demand more comforts in the sky, like lie-flat seats and gourmet meals.

The most recent rendition of the single-aisle business class is VUE, a product made by France's Safran Seats and multinational company JPA Design.

All-Boeing operator Flydubai is the launch customer and will introduce the lie-flat seat on its newly-built 737 MAX aircraft in late 2023 — take a look.

Dubbed the "Business Suite," Flydubai's new seat has been designed exclusively for single-aisle planes.

Flydubai

The carrier expects to introduce six Boeing 737 MAX equipped with the cabin by early 2024, each of which will have 10 suites onboard and fly long-haul routes.

Flydubai

Passengers can take advantage of the standard business class amenities offered, including a 75-inch lie-flat bed…

Flydubai

…convenient storage for a "clutter-free living space…"

Flydubai

…ambient lighting installed into the seats…

Flydubai

…as well as wireless charging, power ports, and a 17" touchscreen TV with Bluetooth capabilities.

Flydubai

Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the company has come a "long way" since 2013, which is when it transitioned from a no-frills carrier to a hybrid business model.

Flydubai

The change came with a new premium product — business class recliners on its Boeing 737-800NGs.

Flydubai

It was a far cry from what Flydubai is introducing today, especially since it did not have a lie-flat bed.

Flydubai

However, it wasn't long before Flydubai solved this problem with a lie-flat product in 2017. The new issue was it kept the 2x2 seat configuration.

Flydubai

This meant window seat passengers had to climb over a sleeping neighbor if their seat was in lie-flat mode.

Flydubai

Fortunately, the "Business Suite" addresses this with a 1x1 layout — now every passenger has direct-aisle access.

Flydubai

The design goes one step further by introducing a full sliding privacy door, creating a cozy cocoon…

Flydubai

…as well as designing a unique seat angle. Instead of facing forward or inward toward the aisle, they face toward the window.

Flydubai's recent unveiled its upgraded lie-flat business class seat called VUE.Flydubai

This not only creates more privacy but also gives passengers a nice view outside — a problem on some carriers like Air New Zealand that have the seats angled fully away from the window (pictured).

Taylor Rains/Insider

This not only creates more privacy but also gives passengers a nice view outside — a problem on some carriers like Air New Zealand that have the seats angled fully away from the window (pictured).

Currently, Flydubai operates a fleet of 78 Boeing planes, with another 140 on order.

Flydubai

And, it has since upgraded its original 2013 business class with new and improved recliners — similar to what Delta Air Lines is offering as domestic first class on its new A321neos.

Flydubai

And, it has since upgraded its original 2013 business class with new and improved recliners — similar to what Delta Air Lines is offering as domestic first class on its new A321neos.

While the carrier does not fly ultra-long-haul like Air New Zealand or its sister airline Emirates, its longest routes can journey nearly seven hours.

Flydubai

Considering the improvements from its current products, the "Business Suite" is likely to be a nice upgrade for Flydubai — especially when trying to lure in new customers.

Flydubai

Considering the improvements from its current products, the "Business Suite" is likely to be a nice upgrade for Flydubai — especially when trying to lure in new customers.

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Take a look at this first-of-its kind lie-flat business class seat Flydubai is installing in its Boeing 737 MAX jets

Dubbed the "Business Suite," Flydubai's new seat has been designed exclusively for single-aisle planes.

The carrier expects to introduce six Boeing 737 MAX equipped with the cabin by early 2024, each of which will have 10 suites onboard and fly long-haul routes.

Passengers can take advantage of the standard business class amenities offered, including a 75-inch lie-flat bed…

…convenient storage for a "clutter-free living space…"

…ambient lighting installed into the seats…

…as well as wireless charging, power ports, and a 17" touchscreen TV with Bluetooth capabilities.

Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the company has come a "long way" since 2013, which is when it transitioned from a no-frills carrier to a hybrid business model.

The change came with a new premium product — business class recliners on its Boeing 737-800NGs.

It was a far cry from what Flydubai is introducing today, especially since it did not have a lie-flat bed.

However, it wasn't long before Flydubai solved this problem with a lie-flat product in 2017. The new issue was it kept the 2x2 seat configuration.

This meant window seat passengers had to climb over a sleeping neighbor if their seat was in lie-flat mode.

Fortunately, the "Business Suite" addresses this with a 1x1 layout — now every passenger has direct-aisle access.

The design goes one step further by introducing a full sliding privacy door, creating a cozy cocoon…

…as well as designing a unique seat angle. Instead of facing forward or inward toward the aisle, they face toward the window.

This not only creates more privacy but also gives passengers a nice view outside — a problem on some carriers like Air New Zealand that have the seats angled fully away from the window (pictured).

Currently, Flydubai operates a fleet of 78 Boeing planes, with another 140 on order.

And, it has since upgraded its original 2013 business class with new and improved recliners — similar to what Delta Air Lines is offering as domestic first class on its new A321neos.

While the carrier does not fly ultra-long-haul like Air New Zealand or its sister airline Emirates, its longest routes can journey nearly seven hours.

Considering the improvements from its current products, the "Business Suite" is likely to be a nice upgrade for Flydubai — especially when trying to lure in new customers.