Turkish Airlines Unveils New Luxury Crystal Business Class Suite

Over the last few years, there has been something of an arms race among airlines to provide the most luxurious and comfortable Business Class seating and service. Airlines compete for these valuable customers, who are willing to pay what is estimated at anywhere from five to ten times as much for a Business Class seat as one in Economy.

This year, Turkish Airlines made it into the top ten of the World’s Best Business Class Airlines from SKYTRAX, at #10. The airline won recognition for Best Business Class Onboard Catering.

But rather than rest on its laurels, Turkish Airlines this week is showing off its brand-new Crystal Business Class suite at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 in Hampshire, UK.

The airline already boasts that it flies to more countries than any other. The airline also hit a new high for passengers in May, carrying 7.2 million people on international and domestic flights.

With the new Crystal Business Class suite, travelers will make future journeys in style. The new suite is the first from Turkish Airlines to feature an adjustable suite door and privacy panel for in-flight privacy.

Business Class passengers will also fly in comfort. The new Business Class seats offer a wide 23-inch seat width with expanded footwell space. While most carriers use third-party manufacturers for their high-end seating, the new seats were developed by Turkish Airlines subsidiary, TCI Aircraft Interiors.

The idea was to create a product unique to the airline. To that end, the new seating features plush leathers and fabrics, all sourced from Türkiye to emphasize the Turkish flag carrier’s roots.

The seats are staggered to offer direct aisle access for all passengers, with full visibility from every window suite. The new suites feature lighter and warmer colors, marble-style tables and rose gold finishes, following the airline’s “Flow” brand identity. And judging by the photographs, Turkish Airlines plans to continue its focus on Business Class dining and service.

The suites will offer adjustable ambient and reading lights, universal and Type C power outlets, a wireless charger, noise cancelling audio jack, adjustable mirror, closed stowage ergonomic seat cushion and a 22-inch IFE (inflight entertainment) screen.

The airline has also announced that it will provide free Wi-Fi to all passengers by the end of 2025. The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with state-owned satellite company Turksat, and subsidiary TCI Aircraft Interiors to add high-speed connectivity to its fleet.

The new seats will be featured on the carrier’s transcontinental flights. They will be installed on the airline’s Airbus A350s on order, starting in 2026. The advanced seat suites will also be retrofitted on its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft.

“Our new Crystal Business Class suite will add a new chapter for our long-haul luxury travel and will carry the airline into the future with a new level and privacy across our extensive global network,” said Turkish Airlines Chairman of The Board and Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat. “The specially created design will complement our award-winning in-flight dining options for us to keep providing an unparalleled experience above the clouds for our guests.”

In an interview with Airways about the new Business Class product, Chairman Bolat added that Turkish Airlines still does not plan to re-introduce Premium Economy after removing it in 2016, even though other airlines find it profitable.

Turkish Airlines, established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, now has a fleet of 458 aircraft flying passengers and cargo to 347 worldwide destinations in 130 countries. The airline, a member of Star Alliance, was recently ranked 8^th among the Strongest Airline Brands by international brand valuation organization Brand Finance.