Airbus A350. Photo: ©Airbus SAS 2022 - Dominik Mentzos - Taylor James Airbus has introduced its vision for the next level of First Class travel at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 taking place in Berlin (April 14-16, 2026), showing how the A350-1000 could host a larger and more exclusive premium cabin. The concept, presented under the Airspace “First Class Experience” branding and using 3D AR (Augmented Reality), focuses on rethinking space, privacy, and comfort in the airline’s flagship widebody aircraft.
At the center of the presentation is the First Class Master Suite, designed in-house by Airbus. Positioned between the two aisles, the suite is built for two passengers and offers a private environment with its own lavatory, changing area, bar, and a double bed, creating a fully enclosed luxury space in the sky.
To enable a new 1-1-1 layout with three suites across the cabin, Airbus has reworked the internal layout of the A350-1000 between Doors 1 and Doors 2. A key part of the redesign involves relocating traditional cabin “monuments” such as lavatories and storage areas. These are moved outside the main passenger zone into a new Center Module placed just behind Door 1, opposite the cockpit. This change frees up valuable floor space for the suites and improves the overall cabin layout.
The new Center Module also helps increase privacy. By moving the access point to the Forward Crew Rest Compartment into this area, Airbus reduces movement through the First Class cabin, limiting disturbances for passengers during flight.
The A350-1000’s wide cabin and high ceilings make it a strong platform for premium travel concepts. Airbus plans to go one step further by adding sculpted ceiling panels, redesigned cabin fascias, and a welcome lighting system at Door 1, all aimed at creating a more open and calm environment. One of the main highlights is the use of virtual panoramic windows, expected to give passengers a broader sense of space and light.
Airbus notes growing interest from airlines in adding First Class cabins to the A350 family. Around 10 customers have already selected First Class layouts for their aircraft, while several others are currently in the customization stage. The first aircraft featuring elements of this next-generation concept is expected to enter service around 2030.
The company says the goal of the concept is to demonstrate what is possible in future cabin design and to support airlines in shaping their own premium products for the next generation of long-haul travel.