Originally Posted by
BR777
I am hoping the new A350s EVA ordered will be 9 seats for each row in economy as well.
By the way, does anyone know or are there any resources on the internet hinting that EVA's new A350 business class will feature the same seats as those in their current 787s? I personally love those seats on the 787s so much as they offer way more privacy than their business class seats on 77A/77B/77M planes.
AFAIK there hasn't been any strong indication about what the A350 J class would be. In an interview from this June, however, the following quotes may be illustrative:
https://airwaysmag.com/interview-eva-air/
Starting in mid-2024, we will roll out our latest Premium Economy cabin on the 787-9s and our passengers will be able to choose from all three cabins. [...]
We will start retiring our older Boeing 777-300ERs in 2024 and plan a bigger role in our future fleet for the wide-body Boeing 787-9s with our three-cabin layout. We’re also in the preliminary stages of evaluating next-generation wide-body replacement aircraft, including Boeing’s 777X and Airbus’s A350. [...]
Our future plans are to make our network more efficient by continuing to expand to new destinations and increase the number of flights to those we currently serve. We’re also upgrading and enhancing our fleet by replacing older aircraft and elevating cabins and services. Our aim is always to provide our passengers with the most convenient and comfortable flights possible. [...]
We continue to be honored and proud to have been an industry pioneer when we launched premium economy service on our maiden flight to Los Angeles on December 12, 1992, using a brand-new Boeing 747-400. To uphold our high service quality, we plan to introduce our next-generation premium economy in Q2 of next year.
We are designing our new premium economy with improved features such as more privacy, an expanded amenity stowage area, more comfortable personal space, and added features to elevate our passengers’ inflight environment.
Reading between the lines, BR is using the occasion of Y+ debuting on some 787s to roll out an upgraded seat. Just like the arrival of the 787s was an occasion to roll out a new J seat. I fully expect that the A350s will feature a further J upgraded seat. The first A350s are scheduled to arrive in 2026 and by then the standards for J seats will be even higher. I expect that SQ will have, for example, upgraded its J seat. The must-have accessory is a privacy door so I would be extremely surprised if BR doesn't add that in.
Although I've only flown BR's 77W J-class, and I think it's fantastic, the top-tier J seats by QR and NH are another league in terms of privacy (bed comfort, I'd say BR is as good or even better). My impression is that the BR 787 seat is a major upgrade in style, comfort, and with improved privacy. So one option would be to enclose it a la Delta One and so on. Voila -- Royal Laurel Suites.
As for Y+, however, my guess is that the new Y+ seat that debuts on the 787-9s next year will also appear on the A350s in 2026.