Northern Ireland-based aircraft seatmaker Thompson Aero Seating is actively exploring dedicated first class and super first class cabin products for airlines, as carriers seek to introduce extra-opulent enclosed suites and multi-person first class-plus configurations on widebody aircraft.

According to Runway Girl Network, Thompson's head of marketing Becca Shou confirmed the company is working with a number of airline customers on first class and super first class development. "Across our portfolio, there are a few customers coming back to us asking if we can help them to develop first class or a super first class cabin. So we are working with a few of them," she said.

The disclosure came shortly after Airbus announced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg that it would develop its First Class Experience concept for the A350-1000, targeting the niche but growing FC+ market segment.

Thompson reported revenue growth of 30% year-on-year in 2025, with an orderbook in excess of £1.2 billion (€1.39 billion). That orderbook includes contracts for front-row business-plus doored suites, which Shou described as having become a standard offering across many airlines rather than an exceptional addition.

At AIX, Thompson unveiled the VantageXL+ First suite, built on its existing XL+ platform and featuring a raised, actuated two-stage divider, extended bed-level cushioning, a floating outboard armrest and cocktail surface, overhung doors to maximise living space, dual dining capability and a 32-inch inflight entertainment screen. The VantageXL+ platform counts China Southern, Edelweiss and Discover Airlines among its most recent adopters.

Thompson also revealed a VantageNOVA First option, incorporated into the front row of its fully PRM-accessible VantageNOVA flexible herringbone platform, which counts Delta Air Lines as a launch customer. The VantageNOVA First features a Star Configuration enabling four passengers travelling together to share a quad social experience including two buddy seats.

Thompson's dynamic testing facility has been a significant operational asset in the context of heightened regulatory scrutiny of seatbelt and premium seat certification processes. Shou noted the facility enables real-time testing and rapid amendments, allowing the company to deliver within compressed time frames compared with conventional certification processes.

Read the full product reveal and Thompson Aero Seating's premium cabin strategy in the full story.