China Southern Airlines reveals new interiors by Tangerine featuring new Thompson VantageXL+ seats

As part of its ongoing fleet modernisation, China Southern Airlines is introducing new A350-900 and A321NX aircraft – two dual flagship models designed to elevate the passenger experience to unprecedented levels. These new aircraft will also herald a new interiors palette that will change the overall look, feel and brand image for the Chinese carrier.

The airline has opted to use London-based studio Tangerine to designing the interiors of 10 A350-900 aircraft and the 20 new generation A321NX. Unlike the airline’s current wide-body interiors, these new wide-bodies will feature private suites. Although the press release doesn’t say if they will be marketed as ‘Business Studios’ or First Class cabins. In total the new A350-900 cabins will feature 4 of these private cabins, 24 independent business class seats and 307 economy class seats, while the A321NX will have 12 business class seats and 171 economy class seats. 

Unlike the Recaro seats currently on the A350, the airline has opted for the slightly larger brand new Thompson Vantage XL+ seats which are an enhanced, wider version of the existing XL seats from the Northern Irish seat manufacturer. The VantageXL⁺ is the newest iteration of the hugely popular VantageXL, launched at AIX this year, now perfectly 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, meaning that the carrier has officially become the launch customer.

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.”

When it comes to the private cabins, Thompson’s 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. 

But what is different between the well-known VantageXL and the XL⁺ seats? Firstly, the design teams have managed to re-sculpt the internal walls and footwells to provide greater legroom and increase knee clearance. The IFE screen has also been repositioned giving almost 3 additional inches distance from the passenger and screen, helping increase the feeling of space.

Weiwei He, Director at Tangerine, says: “The new interior design will evoke a distinctly oriental theme, highlighting China Southern’s core brand values of ‘affinity’ and ‘refinement.’ Our goal is to create a cabin interior that resonates with passengers worldwide while proudly celebrating China Southern Airlines’ rich cultural heritage.”

To ensure a seamless in-flight entertainment experience that complements the new cabin interior, Tangerine has tailored the graphical user interface (GUI), creating a cohesive brand journey and a more enjoyable flight for passengers.

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.

As I do every year, I ask on your kind support to keep things going. If you are able to donate – whatever amount – it all gets funnelled back in to the site, to keep the site full of content. And I thank you personally for your kind support.