Condor Airlines (DE) flight #DE2454 from Frankfurt arrived in Vancouver on April 25. The nonstop route to Frankfurt is now serviced by the airline’s new Airbus A330neo aircraft sporting Condor’s eye-catching, striped branding.
Photo: Condor
The A330neo arrived in Vancouver just in time for the start of the summer transatlantic travel season, when Condor will offer five flights weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) to its Frankfurt hub, with easy connections to 100+ destinations throughout Europe and beyond. The A330neo will replace the previous generation of Boeing 767 aircraft and will significantly reduce Condor’s operating costs and offer increased passenger and cargo capacity into the Vancouver market.
Photo: Condor
The A330neo is the new version of the popular A330 widebody. Incorporating the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings and aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft reduces Condor’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent. The A330neo consumes just 2.1 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers flown – — well below the industry average. It is the first aircraft in the world already certified for the regulatory reduction in CO2 emissions, which will be required by 2028, and that subsequently will reduce travelers’ environmental footprint. The A330neo supports state-of-the-art flight and navigation systems tailored to Condor’s exacting requirements, resulting in more noise- and CO2 -efficient approach and departure procedures, even at particularly high-altitude airports, reducing noise pollution by up to 60 percent.
Photo: Condor
Unrivalled Passenger Comfort Inflight
Condor’s A330neo will offer unrivalled inflight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers, featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. The A330neo features an award-winning, whisper quiet Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. The A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system, ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.
Best-in-Class, New Business and Premium Economy Class
The new Condor Business Class offers 30, lie-flat (180 degree) seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all guests. The seat conveniently converts to a 76-inch long by 19-inch-wide bed. Business Class guests have access to the latest movies, series, podcasts, and games, all accessible on a 17.3-inch screen in 4K mode, with touchscreen and remote control. The first row of Business Class will also feature four “Prime Seats”, with added space large enough to accommodate two guests who wish to dine together and an extra large, 24-inch entertainment screen. The “Prime Seats” will feature added in-flight amenities including a premium travel kit, inflight pajamas and a premium snack basket.
In Premium Economy Class, guests enjoy more personal space thanks to a generous extra seat pitch of 35 inches and a greater backrest angle of up to six inches. In addition, the multi-adjustable headrest and footrest at every seat ensure a significantly more comfortable flight experience. Both the Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats have 13.3-inch in-seat 4K monitors with touchscreens, which can be used to enjoy the extensive in-flight-program. Condor’s A330neo features a 2-4-2 seating configuration in both classes.
A brand-new feature awaits guests in all three classes: Condor’s new A330neo offers high-speed broadband internet and onboard connectivity. The latest in-flight-entertainment technology provides a wide of films, series, and podcasts. Each seat has an extra holder for mobile device, so that streaming is also possible. In addition, personal Bluetooth headphones can be connected to the aircraft’s in-flight-entertainment system.
The cabin also features mood lighting in all three classes that can be individually adjusted to suit the time of day. This helps guests aboard to fall asleep easily and wake up more relaxed.
Photo: Condor
Modern Elegance with Stylish Accents
Visually, the new cabin product impresses with a stylish color concept featuring the “Condor Marina” and “Condor Earth” color schemes as well as subtle stripes as a recurring design element. This includes a striped badge on every seat as well as uniformly striped headrest covers in Business and Premium Economy Class. This complements Condor’s new branding which is proudly displayed on the exterior of each A330neo. The design of the cabin was implemented by the design agency müller/romca industrial design based in Kiel. Remo Masala, owner of the visionalphabet agency in Berlin, who designed Condor’s new brand identity, guided the process with creative direction.
Along with Vancouver, this summer Condor will operate from a total of 18 North American cities to Frankfurt: including Toronto (YYZ), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG) and Halifax (YHZ) in Canada and New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), Boston (BOS), Baltimore (BWI), Miami, (MIA), Portland (PDX), Minneapolis (MSP), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), San Antonio (SAT), and Anchorage (ANC).
Etihad Airways will begin flying its popular A380 on Abu Dhabi – Paris CDG route from November 1, 2024
The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, serves up a chic flying experience
The Residence
At the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.
Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.
Etihad Airways flight EY1 from Abu Dhabi to New York arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday, April 22, heralding the start of the airline’s A380 double-decker service featuring The Residence, the legendary, sumptuous three-room suite in the sky.
After a celebratory send-off in Abu Dhabi, Etihad pilots waved the US and UAE flags from the cockpit after the super-jumbo arrived on its stand in New York.
The introduction of Etihad’s A380 to the popular New York route comes just three weeks after launching its new route to Boston, underscoring the airline’s strategy to meet increasing customer demand, service the corporate travelers and expand its network across the North American market.
The new A380 route will service one of Etihad’s two daily flights to New York, while the other will be operated by a 787-9, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins. At the pinnacle of luxury in the A380 is The Residence. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence provides guests with unparalleled luxury and service, with a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. Guests are catered to by a dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew and are offered a range of lavish culinary options including an à la carte menu, designer tableware, breakfast in bed and The Residence Signature High Tea.
Avianca Airlines presents new features in its Business Class product, both in twin-aisle aircraft (Boeing 787) and single-aisle aircraft (A320 family).
Moving forward, the Executive Cabin of the double-seat aircraft will be known as Avianca Insignia, which operates routes to and from Europe.
Those traveling in this cabin will be able to enjoy flatbed chairs, which recline completely, as well as a welcome drink, menu with starter, breakfast, lunch or dinner options with dessert, unlimited snacks and a selection of spirits, hot and cold drinks.
In addition, passengers have comfort elements at their disposal such as a blanket, mattress pad and an amenity kit with collectible cases designed by Mola Sasa in collaboration with the Gunadule indigenous community, made from recycled PET bottle fabric, a proposal that promotes sustainability and inclusion, as well as the formulations of Loto del Sur, a beauty brand that celebrates and captures the richness of Colombian culture, elevating the onboard experience.
“Avianca Insignia represents the consolidation of a superior experience in our Boeing 787, one of the most modern aircraft in the world,” said Manuel Ambriz, Avianca’s chief commercial officer. “And these Bogotá to Europe flights also feature a unique design, gastronomy and wellness selection representing the best of Colombia: a menu by chef Álvaro Clavijo—one of the top 35 in the world—and a leading brand amenity kit.”
A Renewed Business Class for Flying on Single-Aisle Aircraft:
Additionally, starting July 1, a new version of the Business Class experience will be available in the first three rows of single-aisle airplanes on flights from Bogotá to Santiago de Chile, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Washington, New York, Boston, Toronto and Mexico City.
This offering includes a main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), drinks, a snack service and comfort elements (blanket, pillow and amenity kit).
Added Ambriz: “We are thrilled to have renewed the ‘Business Class’ experience on flights to the Americas’ main capitals,, thereby offering our customers multiple options on how they want to fly.”
American launches airline’s first-ever rotating collection of premium onboard amenities, along with new bedding.
Throughout the year, new inflight amenities will feature diverse designers and brands, sustainably sourced materials and causes important to American and its customers.
Customers can indulge in fresh entrees, inspired by popular American Airlines destinations, across all domestic and international flights.
AAdvantage® members can continue to earn or use miles for flights with these premium experiences.
American Airlines is heating up the inflight experience ahead of the summer travel season with a wave of premium onboard enhancements to make travel even more enjoyable. Customers will fly in style with a new, reimagined amenity kit series and bedding, and savor new dishes throughout their journey. In the future, customers can anticipate an increasingly elevated experience with the arrival of new Flagship Suite® seats.
“We thoughtfully curate each element of the onboard experience so every customer can look forward to the time they spend in flight,” said Kim Cisek, American’s Vice President of Customer Experience. “Part of the magic of travel is connecting our customers to the people and experiences that matter most to them. We’re taking that concept to the skies by introducing a new, dynamic onboard program that’s inspired by feedback from our customers and team members.”
American worked with a mix of boutique and well-known brands to create a program that will evolve throughout the years and feature rotating kit designs and high-quality skincare products in addition to the new bedding program.
A rotation of stylish new amenities and more
The new program will be on board more than 300 international and transcontinental flights beginning Memorial Day weekend in Flagship® First Class, Flagship® Business Class and Premium Economy cabins.
American’s primary amenity kit will be available yearlong for customers flying in premium cabins. The kit will include staple amenities customers have come to expect while in flight, such as a toothbrush, dental kit, eye mask and earplugs, in addition to new and evolving skincare products and offerings. American will cycle new brands and products within the kits for customers in all premium cabins, creating a unique customer experience several times over, based directly on customer feedback.
American collaborated with beauty retailer Thirteen Lune to curate the skincare offerings, which will feature high-quality beauty brands from Thirteen Lune’s tailored collection with wide ranging representation of diverse founders and voices such as Joanna Vargas and Relevant.
Limited-edition kits
In addition to these rotating products within the kits, customers will enjoy limited-edition specialty kits created in collaboration with diverse designers and brands based primarily in the U.S. Through the designs of these specialty kits, American will recognize specific milestones and initiatives that reflect the values and backgrounds of the airline’s customers and team members. These limited-edition kits will debut in the months and years ahead.
In fact, the all-new amenity program will launch with a Thirteen Lune specialty kit to introduce customers to the new kit line and the opportunity to start collecting the limited-edition kits. Customers flying in premium cabins will receive the Thirteen Lune kit for the first few weeks of the kickoff to the new program. Customers can then look forward to receiving the primary amenity kit on board throughout the rest of the summer.
Each specialty kit will be available for a limited time on eligible flights in Flagship® First Class, Flagship® Business Class and Premium Economy. Travelers will be able to learn about each brand and partner featured in the specialty kit by scanning a QR code found within the kit.
Elevated bedding inspired by customer feedback
Customers will travel in elevated comfort with new bedding, pillows and sleepwear that deliver on customer expectations for a restful experience on board. In American’s research with customers, travelers shared that 75% prefer dual-sided pillows, with different materials on each side of the pillow. Based on this feedback, customers traveling across Flagship® First Class or Flagship® Business Class will enjoy a dual-sided pillow with cool touch fabric on one side, and traditional fabric on the other.
Those traveling in Flagship® First Class on international flights will continue to enjoy a set of pajamas, based on feedback that 80% of first class customers value having pajamas onboard. In addition, travelers in Flagship® Business Class on all international flights will now enjoy slippers onboard, instead of only on ultra long-haul flights.
Customers in all cabins, including Premium Economy and Main Cabin, will enjoy enhanced bedding, with cabin-specific options such as lumbar pillows, throw blankets, premium duvets and fleece blankets — all developed from premium brands that are leaders in their space.
American collaborated with the inflight textile company John Horsfall to develop bedding made with recycled materials from their Re-Thread® collection*.
Reusable Zipper Product Bag
Bedding in American Airlines Flagship® First
Bedding in American Airlines Flagship® Business
Bedding in American Airlines Premium Economy
Bedding in American Airlines Main Cabin
Bedding in American Airlines Transcontinental Flagship® First Class
Bedding in American Airlines Transcontinental Flagship® Business Class
Nearly all of the pillows, duvets and blankets created for American flights were made with recycled fibers that maintain a premium feel, while filled bedding includes 100% recycled fill. To reduce single-use plastic waste connected to the distribution of pillows and blankets, customers traveling in Flagship® First, Flagship® Business and Premium Economy will now receive their bedding in a reusable zipper product bag also made with recycled fibers. Using the bag will save 25 tons of plastic waste a year.
New dining menus soar within the U.S. and beyond
While dining on board, customers can embrace the journey with diverse flavors and new menus that are inspired by popular American Airlines destinations worldwide. The offerings feature internationally inspired pastas, salads and more.
Travelers jet-setting to one of American’s new summer destinations like Nice, France; Naples, Italy; or Copenhagen, Denmark, will be able to relish delicious offerings like macadamia crusted sea bass with citrus cream sauce, quinoa, toasted orzo, and haricots verts. In addition to these offerings, pan roasted chicken, tortellini pasta and other offerings, including new pre-order options, will continue to roll out this spring for business class on flights from the U.S. to international destinations.
Customers traveling from Europe in business class can choose to indulge in menu items like chili marinated chicken with mojo verde sauce, sweet potato mash, roasted corn and mini chili or gnocchi duet with plain and beetroot gnocchi, lentil ragout, apple chutney, brown butter, roasted spring onion and sliced green onion.
Entrees: International US outbound Business Class entrees on American Airlines From left: Pan roasted chicken with pepperonata sauce, mashed potato with chives and broccolini. Macadamia crusted sea bass with lemon herb butter sauce, orzo salad haricot vert and red bell pepper. Tortellini in sauteed spinach with blushed tomato sauce and grilled zucchini and mushroom medley.
Customers traveling on domestic first class can also discover new offerings on their journey. Travelers can enjoy cuisine such as shawarma seasoned grilled chicken, three cheese sacchetti pasta, chicken enchiladas or a plant based stuffed red pepper. Customers can also choose from new pre-order options, including short rib mac and cheese.
These new options in premium cabins will provide a range of diverse culinary creations and award-winning wines. For AAdvantage® members, miles and status can help unlock access to some of these premium inflight experiences.
Domestic First Class hot entrees on American Airlines Clockwise from top left: Vegetable enchilada with red rice and green chili sauce, garnished with crumbled cotija cheese. Cheese sacchetti with garlic cream sauce and marinara sauce, topped with a chopped parsley garnish. Penne pasta with plant-based meat ragu and ricotta, garnished with chopped parsley. Stuffed pepper, green rice and cilantro crema, garnished with crumbled cotija cheese.
Domestic First Class cold entrees on American Airlines Clockwise from top left: The Mediterranean bowl with garlic aioli dressing, couscous spiced with potatoes, almonds, baby arugula, shaved red cabbage, roasted red pepper hummus, tomato & cucumber salad and roasted spiced cauliflower. The bistro grain bowl with red long grain rice, crumbled blue cheese, fresh cucumber, Roma tomato, red onion, green scallion, hard-boiled egg, sorghum and Frisée and Mesclun salad mix. The pesto pasta salad with baby arugula, pesto salad, red and yellow blistered cherry tomatoes, red pepper, sliced mozzarella, and a nut-free basil pesto sauce. The edamame and mandarin orange slaw salad with baby spinach, wonton strips, roasted cashews, green scallion and red miso vinaigrette
Suite experience
Beyond the new inflight amenities, bedding and dining options on board this summer, customers can look forward to an even more elevated experience onboard future Boeing 787-9, 777-300 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft, featuring a new interior with the Flagship® Suite seat and refreshed seats and amenities across Premium Economy and Main Cabin.
Customers traveling in the Flagship Suite® seat will be surrounded by comfort and convenience including wireless charging, Bluetooth capability and multiple storage spaces. With standard features such as lie-flat seats and direct-aisle access, American has modernized the experience by adding privacy doors and the ability to relax in a chaise lounge position, making the Flagship Suite® seat a personalized experience in the skies.
American Airlines Flagship® Suite Preferred seat
American Airlines Flagship® Suite Preferred seat
Customers looking for even more luxury will be able to further enhance their experience with a distinguished front row experience on new Boeing 787-9 and retrofitted 777-300 aircraft through the Flagship Suite® Preferred seat. This seat will offer customers expansive space, several storage areas and exclusive amenities like a Nest Bedding® mattress pad, a throw blanket, a memory foam lumbar pillow, Nest Bedding® pajamas and an exclusive amenity kit featuring additional skincare products from Thirteen Lune by Joanna Vargas and Relevant.
For AAdvantage® members, using miles can help unlock access to upgrade into these enhanced premium experiences, including new inflight amenities, sleepwear, bedding and dining options.
Status members may also receive complimentary upgrades, further enhancing their premium travel experience.
The program rewards members for the time they spend with American, and also provides them with rewards and benefits. New in time for summer, members traveling on tickets purchased with miles can now receive upgrade offers to buy into a higher cabin via aa.com or mobile app when traveling within the contiguous U.S.
*Re-Thread® products are made with certified materials.
American Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Airbus):
The new Business Class will be employed for the first time in the Boeing 777-9
As of 2020, Lufthansa customers will enjoy even more privacy and innovative features for the best possible sleep up above the clouds
Depending on their personal needs, customers can choose e.g. between seats with more desk space or a higher degree of privacy
Comfort will be increased as of early 2018, with mattresses, new duvets, and pyjamas
Lufthansa has revealed one of its best-kept secrets and unveiled the concept for its brand-new Business Class. It will be available on regular routes for the first time in 2020, with the roll-out of the Boeing 777-9. The new seat is the key element of the service and comfort level in the cabin, which have been improved even further. It was developed with the goal of facilitating the best and soundest sleep up above the clouds. Lufthansa guests can not only look forward to beds with a length up to 220 cm (86.6 inches); the comfort and convenience of the seat also ensure heavenly dreams: the construction of the back rest makes it possible for the shoulder to sink in when you are lying on your side. This keeps the spine straight and makes it possible for side sleepers to also benefit from ideally healthy and relaxing sleep.
The brand-new Business Class seat was developed exclusively for the German premium airline together with Lufthansa’s customers. Over 500 guests provided in-depth support during the development phases. Privacy and an optimum of comfort for sleeping are two of the most important needs of passengers on international routes – both are handled perfectly with the new Business Class concept.
“The new, ultra-modern Lufthansa Business Class creates a new global benchmark. It offers our passengers a unique travel experience,” says Harry Hohmeister, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “We have consistently and continuously refined our range of premium products for our guests and modernized Lufthansa. Our focus is and has always been on the wishes of our customers and their specific needs. We want to provide them with the perfect travel experience. The new Business Class showcases the full innovative capacity of Lufthansa.”
Compared to its predecessors, the Boeing 777-9 (below) has a considerably wider cabin. In the new Business Class, this space is used to significantly increase the comfort level for passengers. For instance, all passengers in the new Business class will have direct access to the aisle. This is made possible by a 1-2-1 and 1-1-1 seat configuration. The new seats also provide customers with a significantly increased amount of personal space, more privacy, as well as generous storage compartments and flat surfaces. Depending on their personal needs, passengers can choose between a number of spatial configurations. For instance, they can choose to have an extended-length bed or a seat with twice as much desk space. Lufthansa’s new high-end Business Class offers business and leisure travellers an incomparably luxurious, healthy and relaxing flight experience.
The new Business Class will also be setting standards from a technological point of view. Thanks to digital interfaces, all the functions of the seat as well as the in-flight entertainment system can be controlled using the passenger’s personal device. Smartphones and tablets can be recharged at the seat using wireless technology. And in the future, anyone who wants to watch one of the movies from the extensive entertainment program will experience the blockbusters on much larger screens, in full HD.
There will already be some innovations in the existing Business Class in the upcoming year that will significantly improve the comfort level for passengers. Mattresses that have been developed exclusively for Lufthansa will be provided on long intercontinental flights as of early 2018. They will ensure pleasant sleep on board. On request, passengers will also be provided with sleeping sweaters. So far, these have only been available in First Class. Lufthansa will also be offering its Business Class passengers new blankets. They are lined, but still light, and will keep the passengers warm at night.
Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) today (August 17) launched its new Airbus A330 Business Class suites (above), according to the airline, “setting a new standard in domestic business class around the world.”
Virgin Australia continued:
Virgin Australia’s new wide-body Business Class experience, ‘The Business’, will be available on its entire Airbus A330 fleet at the end of October.
Key features include:
The world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class (above);
Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100 per cent direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration;
The latest in in-flight comfort, with ample space to multi-task, customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas;
High Definition 16″ touch screens featuring the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system with an enhanced graphical user interface;
Individualized, award-winning service from dedicated Virgin Australia cabin crew;
A restaurant-style, hand-delivered fine dining experience enabling guests to dine when they want, with new Luke Mangan-designed menus and premium Australian wines; and
A world-first collaboration with Nespresso which aims to deliver the finest coffee in the sky.
Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “Today, Virgin Australia has once again changed the game in domestic business class travel.
“Later this year, Virgin Australia will change the game again with the launch of its new long-haul Business Class on our Boeing 777 flights to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi.
The new 1-2-1 seating configuration will ensure every guest has 100 per cent direct aisle access and ample privacy to work, rest and unwind. A new turndown service with memory foam mattress topper, large pillows and a doona has been designed to ensure guests arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and recharged. For guests travelling in pairs, the centre suites include a sliding privacy screen that can be opened or closed.
In addition to the physical transformation, an enhanced restaurant-style meal service (above) with new Luke Mangan menus has been designed, enabling guests to dine whenever they choose. For guests wishing to maximise the time to work and rest while on board, a new ‘Express Dining’ option is available.
The suites, originally inspired by the interiors of some of the world’s most premium automotive designs, were customised in conjunction with renowned design agency, Tangerine London, Virgin Australia Creative Director Hans Hulsbosch, of leading brand agency Hulsbosch, and manufactured by B/E Aerospace.
New long-haul Business Class suites, a redesigned Business Class bar and a new Premium Economy cabin will be progressively introduced on the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet of aircraft, which will commence reconfiguration in November and fly to Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles.
NEW AIRBUS A330 BUSINESS CLASS FEATURES
Individual suites in a 1-2-1 seat configuration which convert into the longest and widest domestic fully lie-flat bed (Length: 80” Width: 28”)
Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100% direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration;
Retractable privacy screen dividing centre seats.
Simply tailored, hopsack seat upholstery with leather head and arm rests and customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame.
Unique tablet holder specifically designed for Virgin Australia as well as dedicated side console that expands your workspace with high power USB and universal power socket.
Three types of adjustable lighting including reading light, soft ambient lamp and brighter overhead light.
High Definition 16″ touch screens with an enhanced graphical user interface for the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system and 400 hours of entertainment.
Enhanced restaurant-style, hand-delivered fine dining service enabling guests to dine when they want with new Luke Mangan-designed menus, new table linen and Virgin Australia’s iconic Opera House salt and pepper shakers
Turndown service by Cabin Crew with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas, day blanket and pillow for daytime services.
Amenity kit featuring REN cosmetics.
All Photos: Virgin Australia. “Introducing the world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class. Today the first of our A330 aircraft with our new business class suites takes to the air. The new look features the world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class, restaurant style dining designed by Luke Mangan, and a world-first collaboration with Nespresso to deliver the finest coffee in the sky.”
Lufthansa (Frankfurt) has announced its new first class experience is available on all long-haul routes from its Munich hub. The airline issued this statement:
Lufthansa passengers can now experience the airline’s new First Class service on all long-haul flights from Munich. At the end of last week, the final Airbus A340-600 in the airline’s Munich-based long-haul fleet was retrofitted with the new First Class cabin. This winter, a total of 24 Airbus A340-600 and A330-300 aircraft will serve 22 intercontinental destinations from Munich.
This summer, the retrofit of the new First and Business Class cabins on the remainder of the long-haul fleet will be completed. By the end of 2015, all Lufthansa long-range aircraft will feature the new Premium Economy cabin. Altogether 11,000 seats are being installed on 105 aircraft.
Photo: Lufthansa.
In the award-winning First Class cabin, passengers can look forward to individual service and a wide selection of top-quality food and drinks. Each of the eight First Class seats can be extended to create a lie-flat bed measuring 2.07 meters in length and 80 cm in width, enabling passengers to enjoy a deep, relaxing sleep. The new Business Class seat offers exceptional comfort, whether in an upright or a reclining position.
At the press of a button, the seat converts into a comfortable bed with a horizontal sleeping surface measuring 1.98 meters in length. In Business Class, passengers can select what they want to watch from the expanded inflight entertainment programme and view it on their personal 15-inch monitor. The new Premium Economy Class offers 50 per cent more space plus an enhanced service, and passengers can also check in two items of baggage. In the course of this year, Lufthansa will offer its Business Class passengers a new, more personalized, restaurant-style service.
Top Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A340-642 D-AIHU (msn 848) touches down at Los Angeles International Airport.
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Stockholm) has announced it will launch a new improved business class experience for its long-haul flights staring on January 28. The airline issued this statement:
On January 28, SAS is launching an improved service concept in SAS Business on all its long haul flights. Customers will enjoy a restaurant experience in the air with an even greater number of choices, even more personal service and high quality in every respect.
SAS is currently in the process of updating its long haul fleet. This includes the renovation of seven existing aircraft and the introduction of new aircraft from fall 2015. The food and drink experience onboard in SAS Business is also being improved and customers will notice changes from January 28.
Additional choice and more personal service will be the most noticeable changes for customers in SAS Business. For example, they will have an extra starter and main course to choose from. To increase the restaurant feel and provide an even more personal service, proper tablecloths and porcelain will be used and food will be served from a service trolley to minimize the use of trays.
The improved service concept will be available on all SAS long haul flights from January 28. SAS’s long haul destinations from Scandinavia are New York (JFK), Washington (Dulles), Chicago (O’Hare), San Francisco, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo (Narita). On September 10, 2015, SAS will open a new route from Stockholm (Arlanda) to Hong Kong.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Scandinavian Airlines-SAS Airbus A330-343 SE-REF (msn 568) in the Star Alliance scheme arrives at Dulles International Airport near Washington.
QANTAS Airways (Sydney) has unveiled and introduced its new Airbus A330 international Business Class product. The airline issued this statement and photos:
QANTAS customers are set to enjoy a new standard of luxury on international flights to Asia, Hawaii and key domestic routes, with the airline unveiling the final design of new Business Suites to feature on its A330 fleet, to be progressively introduced from later this year.
Designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, the new Business Suite will be available on all 28 of QANTAS’ A330 aircraft, offering the world’s first seats to allow customers to recline in their seat from take-off through to landing.* The Suites also offer fully-flat beds and direct aisle access for every Business Class passenger in a 1-2-1 layout.
The Vantage XL seat, manufactured by Thompson Aero Seating, was developed and customised extensively by Qantas after ergonomic trials and inflight monitoring with a panel of experts and ongoing feedback from customers.
The Economy cabins on all international A330s will be fitted with a next-generation model of the award-winning Recaro seat (above), an earlier version of which has been extremely popular with QANTAS customers on the Airbus A380 and refurbished Boeing 747 aircraft. Economy seats on the A330-200s for QANTAS Domestic will also be refreshed.
Customers in both cabins on the international A330 aircraft will be able to enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 inflight entertainment system, with larger seatback touchscreens in addition to Q Streaming technology, enabling them to stream content from an extensive entertainment library directly to their own devices.
Domestic Business Class customers on A330 aircraft will also enjoy the same Panasonic eX3 system, while Economy customers will have an individual inflight entertainment experience through either seatback touchscreens or devices provided by QANTAS in every seat.
The work to refresh the aircraft interiors – which will take about one month for each – will start at QANTAS’ heavy maintenance facility in Brisbane next month. The first of the domestic refurbished A330 aircraft will take to the skies in late December from the east coast to Perth, and the first international A330 will commence flying in January 2015.
International and domestic routes currently serviced by QANTAS A330s:
· Sydney-Melbourne
· Sydney-Brisbane
· Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Perth
· Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Singapore
· Melbourne/Brisbane to Hong Kong
· Sydney-Bangkok
· Sydney-Jakarta
· Sydney-Manila
· Sydney-Honolulu
· Sydney-Shanghai
* Subject to final CASA certification.
Business Suites and Panasonic eX3 entertainment systems to be progressively introduced on A330 aircraft from December 2014.
Read the analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE
Edelweiss Air (Zurich) starting in June 2014, and according to the airline “the Edelweiss long-haul aircraft will undergo refurbishing to significantly improve the cabin. Edelweiss Business class will be equipped with lie-flat seats and a new in-flight entertainment system including sixteen inch screens. Furthermore, Edelweiss will be introducing Economy Max that will offer passengers fifteen centimeters more legroom and many other amenities to ensure a comfortable flight. Edelweiss Economy class will also receive a makeover with new seats and a new in-flight entertainment system that includes touch screens.”
The new business class on Edelweiss Air (Edelweiss Air).
The Swiss carrier started weekly flights (on Mondays) from Zurich to Las Vegas on May 5 and also new flights to Havana, Cuba on May 8.
Showgirls send the Edelweiss Air passengers on their way from Zurich to Las Vegas (Edelweiss Air).
Top Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Edelweiss Air). Airbus A330-223 HB-IQI (msn 291) taxies at the Zurich base.
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