From April 8-9 at the 2025 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, China Southern Airlines (CHINA SOUTHERN) signed agreements with multiple international cabin equipment suppliers to equip its new-generation Airbus A350-900 wide-body and A321NX narrow-body flagship aircraft with cutting-edge cabin interiors.
The upgrades, including advanced seating and IFE systems, aim to elevate passenger comfort and redefine air travel experiences, aligning with CHINA SOUTHERN’s vision of delivering “Affinity and Refinement” in service.
World-Class Standards: Dual Flagship Configurations
CHINA SOUTHERN plans to introduce 10 new A350-900 wide-body aircraft featuring 28 private business-class suites and 307 spacious economy seats, with the first-row suites offering fully enclosed privacy.
The 20 new A321NX narrow-body aircraft will include 12 lie-flat business-class seats and 171 economy seats. Both aircraft types will be equipped with next-generation 4K ultra-HD IFE systems, ensuring personal screens for every passenger.
Mr. Zeng Yongchao, EVP of China Southern Airlines Group, stated: “CHINA SOUTHERN is committed to leading the future of air travel by prioritizing passenger comfort through innovation. Our partnerships with global suppliers mark a milestone in cabin product development and reflect our dedication to blending luxury with practicality.”
Enhanced Comfort: Tailored Seating Solutions
The A350-900, Airbus’ latest wide-body variant, features significant upgrades in cabin width, cockpit design, crew rest areas, and galley layouts.
For business class, CHINA SOUTHERN has partnered with UK-based Thompson to debut the Vantage XL+ seats, including four exclusive front-row suites with privacy partitions, customizable companion seating, and 32-inch entertainment screens — ideal for business travelers or families. Economy class will feature RECARO’s CL3810 (R3) seats, engineered with ergonomic designs, high-resilience cushions, adjustable lumbar support, six-way headrests, and 13.3-inch screens for long-haul comfort.
The A321NX, Airbus’ newest narrow-body model, boasts a range of up to 5.5 hours. Its cabin mirrors wide-body standards: business class includes Collins Aerospace’s P-Diamond lie-flat seats with 17.3-inch screens, while economy class offers JTAI’s JT1122E seats with 13.3-inch screens and 30-31-inch legroom. The aircraft also features AIRSPACE enhancements, such as oversized overhead bins, front storage units, and premium amenities like wine chillers and espresso machines for business-class passengers.
Both aircraft will integrate the state-of-the-art RAVE Ultra entertainment system, offering 4K screens, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, and 60W USB-C charging ports.
Modern Aesthetics: Bespoke Cabin Design
In collaboration with UK-based Tangerine Design, CHINA SOUTHERN has crafted a cabin theme blending “elegant Chinese aesthetics with modern minimalism,” featuring soft lighting, eco-friendly materials, and smart ambient lighting that adapts to flight phases. Customized seat designs and a revamped GUI for IFE further enhance functionality and passenger interaction.
The airline has also prioritized sustainability, selecting premium eco-conscious materials to ensure passenger well-being and reduce environmental impact.
Delivery Timeline
CHINA SOUTHERN expects phased deliveries of the A350-900 and A321NX aircraft to begin in 2027. The wide-body jets will serve long-haul international routes, while the narrow-body fleet will operate on key domestic and regional business routes.
Featured image credited to China Southern
