As yet another airline announces it will begin phasing out their First Class product, is this the beginning of the end for First Class? Oman Air, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, and Air New Zealand have all removed First Class products, preferring to make space for a more premium Business Class product. While some have removed the cabin altogether, other airlines only offer First Class on selected routes that service the world’s financial capitals or, like Qantas First Class, only offer it on select aircraft, like their Airbus A380.

Why Is This Happening?

There could be multiple reasons behind why an airline might decide to remove its First Class cabin. From profitability, changing customer preferences or not being able to keep up with the ever changing product demand. One of the biggest reasons has been the reduced demand for First Class. Oman Air CEO has said that by removing First Class, they can provide a more competitive price point on flights.

The type of customer travelling in the higher cabin classes is also changing; you are more likely to see young families, millennials and Gen X travelling in Business Class. While these customers appreciate Business Class's extra space and amenities, they can not justify the costs of First Class or would rather spend that money on an experience while travelling.

What will replace First Class?

Since the first introduction of Business Class in the 1970s, there has been a steady product evolution. What was once a few extra centimetres of legroom is now a fully flat bed, fine wines, chef-curated meals, endless inflight entertainment, and VIP service. Business Class passengers now expect all these amenities and more to be standard, and the product quality keeps growing. For example, most Business Class seats now feature privacy dividers (if not doors), free Wi-Fi and connectivity, pyjamas, and a chauffeur-driven car to the airport.

There has been a trend for airlines who have removed First Class to replace it with a Business “Plus” style product. Oman Air plans to introduce the “Business Studio” in 2025 as a step up from their standard business product, straddling the line between Business Class and First Class. Some airlines have gone in the other direction to compensate for their Business Class cabin's extra service and amenities by adding Business Class “Lite” or “Classic” options, which don’t include free seat selection or Lounge access.

For other Airlines, the decision has been to lessen the First Class option purely because their Business Class product is already such a luxury experience there is no need for First Class. The Qatar Qsuite has been leading the way for Business Class products for a few years now, featuring fully enclosed suites that can be opened up to create a quad dining area or double bed if you are travelling with a partner or friends. This coupled with luxurious amenities, fine wines, pyjamas and quality bedding revolutionised the standard that customers expect from Business Class travel.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is another airline prioritising its Business Class seat over First Class. ANA’s “The Room” is a spacious enclosed suite with a wide seat that extends to a 6-foot fully flat bed. Unfortunately, ANA’s The Room is unavailable on all aircraft, but the airline plans to retrofit it onto aircraft in the future.

What Are The Pros And Cons To Removing First Class?

The product varies from airline to airline along with the price. Qantas, for example, will introduce First Class suites onboard its A350 as part of the project sunrise non-stop flights to London and New York planned for 2025. Currently, their First Class product is like a bigger version of their Business Class with no privacy divisions

Whereas Emirates and Etihad offer enclosed suites in First Class for maximum privacy, an onboard shower and an onboard First Class Bar. Etihad also has another cabin class above First Class; The Residence is your own apartment in the air. The luxury suite has a bedroom, living room, bathroom and butler for those who want ultimate luxury when they travel. Singapore Airlines also offers a Suite for First Class Passengers; while not as over the top as Etihad, the space features a separate seat and bed that has the ability to make this into a double bed if travelling with a partner, and personal lavatories filled with high-quality products.

Pro

• More choice
• Better pricing
• High-quality amenities
• More space
• Better connectivity
• Higher quality of service

Con

• Crowded business cabins - generally, the first class cabin is up to 12 or 14 seats, and business can be anywhere upwards of 50
• Less exclusive
• Busier Airport Lounges

The Future of First Class

For some airlines, having a First Class cabin is a chance to showcase their lavish service and what is possible while flying. So what airlines still offer First Class and on what aircraft?

• Qatar Airways - A380
• Qantas - A350
• Singapore Airlines First Class - 777
• Singapore Airlines Suites - A380
• Cathay Pacific - 777
• British Airways - A380 and 787
• Emirates - A380 and 777
• Japan Airlines - 777
• Etihad Airways First Class - A380, 777 and 787
• Etihad Airways “The Residence” - A380

Our Final Thoughts

While the demand for First Class is getting smaller, a devoted clientele still demands the ultimate luxury service on the ground and in the skies, the more luxurious Business Class cabins are rising to meet the demand for both First Class and Business Class passengers. First Class cabins still have a place for those passengers who want more of a private and elevated experience while flying. Still, with limited destinations and smaller cabin sizes, Business Class makes luxury travel more accessible. View the latest Business Class and First Class airfare deals here or speak to one of our airfare specialists to find the best flight for your needs.