Summary
- CELESTE offers a comfortable recliner business class seat on a short-haul plane.
- Elysium provides lie-flat comfort in a 2-2-2 configuration but lacks privacy.
- Opera NB introduces unexpected privacy for long-haul in the A321LR/XLR market.
STELIA Aerospace is a French-based company that supplies components for all systems within the Airbus ecosystem. One of their most famous areas of expertise is aviation seats.
The brand was formed by merging two Airbus subsidies and is now fully integrated into the aerospace giant’s Nantes plant. Unlike other seat manufacturers, this Nantes-based supplier only focuses on premium seats. One of the things that some readers will recognize in the article’s thumbnail is Singapore Airlines’ 787-10 business class. Let’s look at five excellent seats that STELIA showcased during AIX24.
5
CELESTE
State-of-the-art relaxing recliner seats
Number 5 on our list is CELESTE’s product. This is essentially a business class seat, which is called a recliner—it does not go fully flat. But worry not; this does not mean the seat will be uncomfortable. Engineers within the company decided to add extra padding and create an ergonomic lower back support.
The salespeople who did our tour explained that CELESTE only reclines because it is optional in its typical use-case scenario. One of their clients in the Middle East uses it on flights that are at most five hours long.
On these flights, although going fully flat will be greatly appreciated by customers, the body is less tired. So, being able to relax the body in a “zero-g” position will, in most cases, be deemed sufficient.
Simple Flying tried the seat during a demo, which showed that the fully reclined position remains comfortable – although our journalist would not enjoy this seat on ultra-long-haul flights.
This seat is typically found on A320 family airplanes.
The mentors agreed and took us to another seat on display at the show, which catered to high-density long-haul aircraft.
4
Elysium
Lie flat in a 2-2-2 configuration
The Elysium product is considered the next step in the company’s lineup of premium seats. This seat is somewhat inspired by the Opera line—which will be discussed later—mainly in the shape of the seat and the size of the inflight entertainment screen. However, it has a drawback, which our hosts acknowledged—it’s set up for a 2-2-2 layout.
Most frequent flyers aren’t too happy with this configuration as it typically means missing out on direct aisle access, which reduces privacy slightly. However, the privacy screen between each seat should be sufficient to increase it.
Simple Flying also tried out this seat and confirmed that, other than the exposed design, it remains very comfortable.
Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize Elysium, which the Air France A330 fleet currently uses. This means passengers can use this product for as long as 8 hours on select flights to the Caribbean.
3
OPAL
The deluxe regional business class
One seat that was notably absent from this year’s lineup was the OPAL, which is why we won’t go into as much detail. This is essentially a throne seat-type product laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration. Although it isn’t as private as a suite, you are not directly in sight of people sitting next to you (see the thumbnail image), making it more comfortable.
This seat is notably used on Singapore Airlines’ 787-10 on flights under 8 hours, so its use is surprising.
2
Opera Narrowbody
Unexpected privacy and comfort
When our journalist continued the tour to the narrowbody section of the stand, they expected a similar product to the Elysium, as most narrowbodies do not fly long-haul.
However, the A321LR and XLR, the former already flying to the US from mainland Europe, and soon the XLR will do the same and fly even further to parts of Asia, have recently changed the dynamics of transatlantic flying.
Photo: Airbus
STELIA currently offers seats for this market segment and already has a European customer who will begin using it on long-medium-haul flights to parts of the Middle East. Opera NB’s idea is to bring traditional long-haul airliner services to the unconventional A321LR/XLR.

Related
How STELIA Aerospace Is Providing Privacy With Premium Narrowbody Seats
Although the baseline model does not feature a door, once the customer steps inside, the view on the aisle is so obstructed that it creates a sensation of a cocoon of privacy. All rows but one on the A321 configuration displayed at AIX featured this.
The front is what the manufacturer likes to call a business plus seat—it has not yet entered service. It will allow more premium airlines to offer clients an experience between business class and first class while saving on weight, which is essential for these unusual narrowbodies.
1
Opera Widebody
The flagship of the range
Located at the front and center of the stand, to attract the attention of every visitor, is the flagship of STELIA’s current offering, the Opera Widebody. It is built with all the features expected by the modern business class customer—featuring private suites with fully enclosed doors (which must be locked open for takeoff, landing, and taxiing) ample storage spaces, a fully flat bed, and adjustable headrests.
Our readers will recognize the sea there, too. It is featured on all factory-delivered Air France A350s and is gradually introduced onto the Air France 777s once refurbished.

Related
Air France Chooses STELIA Aerospace For New Business Class Seat
Available on an Air France A350 starting next month.
According to our chaperon, customization is the key reason the French flag carrier likes this seat. Everything from the fabric to the lamp on the storage unit is fully customizable by the airline—this means that they can genuinely adapt the offering to their brand and meet customers’ needs and expectations in terms not only of cabin commonality but also of corporate identity—where the STELIA logo is being used, readers will not know where Air France’s famous shrimp is located.
What do you think of those seats? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.