Thompson Aero Seating has announced that the first customer of its new VantageXL+ business-class seat will be China Southern Airlines. The VantageXL+ is the newest iteration of the VantageXL model, optimised to fit the dimensions of the A350 and B787 cabins.
When China Southern contacted Thompson as it was looking to add more A350s to its fleet, Thompson offered the airline the opportunity to benefit from the development work that had already begun on the VantageXL+, and the programme was confirmed.
Thomspon will deliver 18 VantageXL+ seats for each ship set, which will accommodate 24 passengers in a 1-2-1 LOPA configuration. Each seat will have a minimum width of 24in and a bed length on 76.9in, at a 44in pitch.
According to Thompson, the optimisation work on the VantageXL for the A350 to create the VantageXL+ has enabled greater legroom and increased knee clearance thanks to the expanded footwells and re-sculpted internal walls; an enhanced personal living space due to the refined suite top rails with a newly contoured profile; and improved IFE monitor positioning, which increases the viewing distance by 2.8 inches.
The first of China Southern’s new fleet of A350s is expected to be delivered in Q4 2026. Each ship set will also include an enhanced front row, creating a business-plus / first-class experience in four seats. These seats – the VantageXL+ First suites –can be fitted at the same passenger density as an all-business-class cabin, due to a modified front-row monument. The bed length in the front row is 80.8in, and the companion seats and dropping dividers provide an opportunity for two or even four people to socialise and dine together during flight.
“The enhanced front row adds an extra element to the flight experience, and we are delighted to be able to offer this option,” said Yongchao Zeng, executive vice president at China Southern.
Thompson and China Southern also worked with the Tangerine design consultancy to create a CMF scheme for the VantageXL+ seats that reflects the brand identity of China Southern and matches the quality of the design and build.
Keith Anderson, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, stated: “We are delighted to announce China Southern as the first customer of our VantageXL+. We have worked in close collaboration with the airline team to bring to life what started as a spark of an idea. Our philosophy at Thompson is always to enhance and evolve our seats, and China Southern has been a great partner in enabling us to do this.”
