Airlines upgrade Boeing 787-9 cabins to 1-2-1 business class layout

Major carriers are retrofitting their 787-9 aircraft with single-passenger suite designs to meet modern passenger and corporate demands.

By SafarSamachar Desk5 Nov 2026, 11:30 am IST

Illustration

Illustration of United Kingdom by SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance, for context. Not a photograph of this event.

Key facts at a glance

1British Airways is retrofitting its 787-9 fleet with 1-2-1 Club Suites
2Air India is investing $400 million in a multi-year retrofit program for its 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft
3LATAM Airlines is spending $360 million to replace 2-2-2 layouts with 1-2-1 Recaro R7 suites
4British Airways reduced its business class seat count from 42 to 38 when switching to the new layout

Airlines are upgrading their Boeing 787-9 business class cabins from 2-2-2 to 1-2-1 layouts to improve passenger comfort and meet corporate travel requirements. This change addresses the 'step-over factor' where passengers had to climb over sleeping neighbors to access the aisle.

British Airways, for example, is replacing its 42-seat Club World layout with 38 Club Suites featuring sliding privacy doors. The shift is also driven by corporate travel policies that prioritize direct aisle access and privacy.

Airlines like Air India and LATAM are investing heavily in these upgrades to remain competitive on long-haul routes.

The retrofitting process involves significant capital investment, with Air India allocating $400 million for its 787-8 and 787-9 fleet. LATAM is also spending $360 million to install Recaro R7 suites on its 787s.

To offset the loss of business class floor space, airlines are expanding premium economy sections, which generate high revenue per square foot. This dual-cabin strategy allows carriers to maintain or even increase overall revenue while improving passenger experience.

What this means for travellers

If you're flying on a Boeing 787-9 operated by British Airways, Air India, or LATAM, expect a more spacious and private business class experience with direct aisle access.

Sources

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