Seatmaps 2020-2021

Here you see the seatmaps of Dhahrani's A320neo, A321neo, 787-10, and 777-9. All new-engine-option A320s and A321s delivered to Dhahrani feature lie-flat B/E Aerospace Diamond seats in Business Class (16 on the A320neo and 20 on the A321neo), and comfortable Economy Class seats. They also all have high-definition in-seat IFE in both Business and Economy. These aircraft are gradually replacing the airline's A320-family aircraft, with current-engine-option A320s projected to be retired by 2022, A321s by 2024, and A319s by 2026.

The 787-10, first delivered to the airline in early 2020, introduced new hard products in all classes - the First Class is similar to the product introduced on the 787-8 back in 2012, except the seats are now wider, and the bed is longer - meaning the diagonal 'cutoff' at the foot of the bed is not as noticeable when in lie-flat mode. Business Class, on the other hand, is very different from the previous iteration (which was a reverse-herringbone B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seat). These new seats are fully proprietary. Aisle seats are angled towards the aisle, while window and center seats are forward-facing. All are fully surrounded by curved divider walls, and while there are no doors, the seats and dividers are arranged in a way that makes it impossible to see any other passenger while seated, even by leaning significantly forward or to the side - this makes them incredibly private. Additionally, because there is nothing above the passenger's feet when in bed mode, these seats feel very spacious, and there is plenty of space under the side-tables for storage. Economy Class seats on the 787-10 are a slightly improved version of the seats which 787-8s and -9s were delivered with - the main changes are improved headrest mobility and larger IFE screens.

The 787-10 has eight of the new-style fully-enclosed First Class suites, 48 seats in Business Class, and 304 in Economy, for a total capacity of 360. The 777-9, meanwhile, will have (when delivered in 2021) the same eight First Class suites, but 62 seats in Business and 346 in Economy, for a significantly increased total capacity of 416. It will also have a self-service bar for First Class passengers, forward of the First Class section and just behind of the forward galley.

Disclaimer: This project is designed to look at the progression of aviation in a more-or-less generic fictional Middle Eastern state. The fictional Kingdom of Dhahran is located near the real Saudi Arabian city called Dhahran, but has no affiliation with it, and the name is a coincidence. Any other similarities to real people, locations, or situations may be intentional. I have zero knowledge of Arabic, so while I have spent considerable time trying to get it right, mistakes are possible, and any advice is greatly appreciated.