Lufthansa launches new first-class suites with beds

Lufthansa has launched new first-class suites on its flights, marking the end of a lengthy process that began eight years ago. The airline's CEO, Jens Ritter, believes the wait was worth it as they aim to reclaim their status as Europe's premium airline. The new suites are featured on the Airbus A350, with three cabin layouts. Two suites accommodate one person, while the central suite can fit two passengers on a sofa that turns into a double bed. The design raised concerns for regulators regarding safety and evacuation but was eventually approved. These suites feature high walls for privacy and offer luxury amenities, including heated and cooled seats and a control tablet for adjustments and entertainment. However, securing approval for these innovations was a challenge, particularly regarding privacy and safety requirements set by regulators. Lufthansa has begun flying with the new first-class suites on select routes and will start selling tickets for the premium cabins starting March 30. Initially, frequent flyers and VIPs will get complimentary upgrades before tickets are available to the public. The airline plans to expand these new suites to Boeing 787s and retrofit older aircraft in the future. Approval of new seating and cabin innovations requires rigorous testing to ensure compliance with safety standards.