Press Release: China Southern to launch Thompson’s VantageXL+

Thompson Aero Seating today proudly announces the first customer of its new VantageXL⁺ will be China Southern Airlines.

The VantageXL⁺ is the newest iteration of the hugely popular VantageXL, optimised to fit the precise dimensions of the A350 and B787 fuselages.

In the background Thompson had already begun development of the VantageXL⁺ and with China Southern looking to add A350s to its fleet, Thompson was pleased to offer China Southern the opportunity to benefit from the development work that had already begun, and the programme was confirmed.

Keith Anderson, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, says: “We are delighted to announce China Southern as the first customer of our VantageXL⁺. We have worked in close collaboration with the airline team to bring to life what started as a spark of an idea. Our philosophy at Thompson is always to enhance and evolve our seats and China Southern has been a great partner in enabling us to do this.”

In each ship set, Thomspon will deliver 18 business-class seats, which will accommodate 24 passengers in a 1-2-1 LOPA configuration. Each will have a minimum seat width of 24” and a bed length on 76.9” at a 44” pitch.

‘First class for free’

Excitingly, each ship set will also include an enhanced front row, accommodating four passengers, that will have added first-class appeal. These VantageXL⁺ First suites enable a first-class experience at the same passenger density as an all-business-class cabin. The bed length in this front row is an impressive 80.8” and the companion seats and dropping dividers provide stunning opportunities for two or even four people to socialise and dine together.

In optimising the VantageXL for the A350 and creating the VantageXL⁺, Thompson has enabled:

• Expanded footwells and re-sculpted internal walls to provide greater legroom and increased knee clearance.
• Refined suite top rails with a newly contoured profile, enhancing personal living space.
• Improved IFE monitor positioning, increasing viewing distance by 2.8 inches for a more immersive experience

Thompson and China Southern worked with style house Tangerine to create CMF that reflects the brand identity of China Southern and matches the quality of the design and build.

Yongchao Zeng, Executive Vice President at China Southern says: “We are very excited to be launching the VantageXL⁺ and to be able to offer our customers a seat that really is the best of the best. The enhanced front row adds an extra element to the flight experience, and we are delighted to be able to offer this option.”

The first of China Southern’s new fleet of A350s is expected to be delivered in Q4 2026.

About Thompson Aero Seating

Thompson Aero Seating is recognised for cutting-edge design, engineering and manufacture of premium class, full-flat bed airline seating. Their bespoke solutions maximise passengers’ personal space and, through intelligent design, optimise every inch of the cabin.

Thompson Aero Seating is one of the leading suppliers of business- and first-class aircraft seating, with a worldwide customer base featuring many of the world’s top airlines including Delta, China Eastern and Singapore Airlines. With increasing market share and an evolving and expanding product portfolio, Thompson seats are installed upon all major aircraft platforms, including Airbus A321, A330, A340, A350 and A380 and Boeing B737, B767, B777 &B787.

All images credited to Thompson Aero Seating

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