The Zodiac Cirrus (and the updated Aries platform) are highly regarded reverse herringbone business class seat models produced by Safran (formerly Zodiac Aerospace), known for comfort and privacy.
What Is Zodiac Cirrus/Aries?
The Zodiac Cirrus and its updated successor, the Aries, are reverse herringbone business class seat platforms manufactured by Safran Seats (formerly Zodiac Aerospace). Both models arrange seats in an alternating diagonal pattern angled away from the aisle, giving every passenger direct aisle access along with a degree of privacy not possible in older forward-facing or staggered layouts.
The Cirrus platform helped popularize reverse herringbone seating industry-wide after its early deployments, and the Aries update refined the shell design, storage options, and seat-to-bed transition. Airlines frequently customize these platforms with proprietary branding, so the underlying Zodiac hardware often appears under different marketed product names.
Key Features
Both platforms use a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every seat has direct aisle access regardless of whether it sits at the window or center of the cabin. Seats typically recline into a fully flat bed around 78-80 inches long. A fixed or adjustable privacy divider separates center-pair seats, and each unit includes a raised shell partition bordering the aisle. Standard amenities across most installations include a large personal stowage area, an adjustable armrest/screen table, and a high-definition entertainment monitor typically 16 to 18 inches diagonal.
Airlines & Aircraft
Reverse herringbone seating built on Zodiac/Safran architecture forms the basis for several well-regarded business class products. Cathay Pacific's new Aria Suite on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet uses this 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout with full direct aisle access. American Airlines' Flagship Suite, installed on select long-haul widebody aircraft, follows the same 1-2-1 direct-aisle-access design. Japan Airlines' JAL SKY SUITE III uses a comparable reverse herringbone shell with surrounding privacy panels. Air France's current long-haul Business cabin, flown on transatlantic routes from New York JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington Dulles to Paris, also reflects this seating family's design principles.
Traveler Tip
When booking a reverse herringbone seat, choose a window position if you want maximum privacy, or a center seat if traveling with a companion and want easier conversation across the aisle divider. CEOFLIGHTS specialists can help find discounted fares — call (888) 851-6897.
