Despite parting with four- or sometimes five-figure sums to fly in the exclusive first class cabin, premium passengers are still forced to share the bathroom facilities (barring a few rare seats). London-based design firm Factorydesign didn’t think this was right and set out to create a concept that could change all that in the future. This is En Suite.

When sharing a lav is just not acceptable

Coming out of London-based design house Factorydesign, the En Suite concept takes the idea of premium flying and makes it just a little better. Taking inspiration from top-end hotels, the company sought to create a concept that delivers more for the ultra-premium flier, most importantly, their very own loo. Factorydesign explained,

“Currently, with the exception of Etihad’s The Residence, even the most privileged Premium Class travellers are required to share a lav. Can you imagine that being acceptable in any Four Seasons or Shangri-La Hotel?”

No, we cannot, and neither could the designers, who worked within the constraints of the aircraft cabin to develop something that ticked all the first class boxes, and more.

These full-height suites bring passengers an unbeatable level of privacy and comfort. There’s space to dine, to sleep, and, to relax and watch movies. Most importantly, there is access to your very own bathroom. However, don't expect things to get too fancy with a shower. This bathroom is mostly utilitarian with some premium finishes on the flooring and marble sink. Of course, airlines will be free to customize this space at will.

The suites work best for couples, with the area opening out into a double bedroom with space to spare. However, Factorydesign has also paid mind to the needs of the solo flier, enabling the suite to be converted into space for two separate travelers. Factorydesign said,

“Through our work in Ultra-First Class and Luxury aircraft cabins, Factorydesign has taken the next step in truly innovating the super-luxury travel offer. Ultimate privacy, ultimate privilege, the ultimate shared space: truly the next advance in luxury commercial travel.”

One of the most interesting aspects of En Suite is its intelligent use of space and facilities. Those bathrooms are located where the first class bathroom would usually live, meaning it would be a relatively easy retrofit for airlines. It strikes a balance between comfort and use of space, allowing four first class suites to be installed in the nose of the plane, which is around the typical number on offer today.

While the suite is nothing more than a paper-based idea right now, it has received some attention. In 2019, it won the top prize in the International Yacht and Aviation (IY&A) awards. It’s the second such award for Factorydesign, the first being the inimitable Delta One Suites. The company actually has several highly commended products to its name, including Singapore Airlines' 737 MAX lie-flat business class, Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Loft on the A350, and the Etihad A380 Residence and 787 first class.

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Is it realistic for airlines?

While the En Suite concept is a couple of years old, it’s possibly even more relevant today than it was in 2019. The impact of the pandemic has shifted the goalposts and has made passengers place greater value on things like space. However, with aviation now open once again and passengers returning in droves, is the need for your own bathroom really that necessary?

While some premium travelers might agree, airlines are more likely to opt for more seats in the cabin. Etihad remains the only exception with its 'The Residence' cabin on the Airbus A380 (soon to make a return), but the likes of Singapore Airlines, with its own double bed suite) has opted for more seats instead. However, there is nothing stopping airlines from retrofitting seats into their cabins if they see an opportunity.

While such luxury suites may be well out of reach for most travelers, for the very premium flier, having use of their own bathroom would be incredibly attractive. But with first class on the exit from even its most prolific operators, the chance to spend millions on new cabins looks unlikely, sadly.

What do you think about the En Suite design? Let us know in the comments!