China Southern Airlines becomes launch customer for Thompson Aero Seating's VantageXL+
Thompson's VantageXL+
Thompson Aero Seating has announced the first customer of its VantageXL+ will be China Southern Airlines. The VantageXL+ is the newest iteration of the VantageXL, optimized 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, the April 9 press release said.
“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,” said Keith Anderson, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating.
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 of 76.9” at a 44” pitch.
First Class for free
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 80.8” and the companion seats and dropping dividers provide stunning opportunities for two or even four people to socialize and dine together.
In optimizing 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 said: “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 fleet of A350s is expected to be delivered in Q4 of 2026.
