First-class flying returns with ultraluxury upgrades for 2025

Airlines are reviving first-class service in response to the "mainstreaming" of business class, reports *Skift,* to redefine luxury and exclusivity. Leading carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways are pushing the boundaries of in-flight opulence, introducing high-sided suites, double beds, and ever more gourmet dining setups. Singapore Airlines plans to enhance its longest route with new first-class cabins, while Cathay Pacific’s chair has promised a “mindblowing” product debuting next year. Qatar Airways is reversing its stance on first class, unveiling plans for a transformative cabin akin to its industry-leading QSuite.

Beyond the aircraft, premium offerings extend to ground services. Air France’s new La Première Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle offers private predeparture suites with dedicated butlers, rivaling boutique hotels in comfort and privacy. These investments highlight an effort to lure travelers away from the increasingly crowded business class cabins or out of private jets.

While airlines focus on exclusivity, the risk of first-class oversaturation remains minimal, as carriers see it as a distinct upgrade rather than a replacement for business class. As luxury reaches new heights, the race to attract high-spending experience-focused travelers shows no signs of slowing.