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We review some of the latest innovations being introduced to the cabins at the front of the aircraft
We review some of the latest innovations being introduced to the cabins at the front of the aircraft

The hottest onboard business cabin innovations in aviation

If your clients are flying business class, they’ll want the best possible experience onboard. TTG profiles the latest cabin upgrades.

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We review some of the latest innovations being introduced to the cabins at the front of the aircraft.

Timing, departure airports and costs are all vital choices customers make when booking flights with an agent, but once they are up in the air there is only one thing that matters: the experience itself.

 

With airlines constantly competing to provide the best flight experience possible, we review some of the latest innovations being introduced to the cabins at the front of the aircraft, to help you brush up on your knowledge and sell the product most suited to your client.

Air Europa

Air Europa

The Latin America specialist started installing its new business-class cabin on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners last month. The new 1-2-1 layout guarantees aisle access and privacy, while the leather-upholstered seats convert into beds. When awake, fliers can use the 17-inch touchscreens to access the entertainment systems, while the new business amenity kit includes cosmetics from luxury brand Unicskin.

 

The aircraft with the new cabins depart Madrid to 24 destinations, with British travellers having opportunities to connect on to the flights twice a day via Gatwick.

 

Alvaro Florez, Air Europa sales manager, says: “The no-hassle, speedy change of aircraft in Madrid rewards passengers with a superior flight experience on our new Dreamliner aircraft.”

 

Book it: Business class return fares from Gatwick to Panama start from £1,565pp.

 

aireuropa.com

Air Canada

The airline’s Signature Class has replaced its business service since 2018 on flights from Heathrow to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa as well as Dublin-Toronto services. Lie-flat seats are complemented with mattress pads, duvet blankets and “oversized” pillows, while a new menu and wine list has been introduced.

 

Upon arrival, Signature customers are fast-tracked through immigration with priority baggage handling. Skiers will get free carriage for their skis, snowboards, boots and helmets.

 

Stephen Gerrard, Air Canada general manager sales, UK and Ireland, says: “We know our premium customers from the UK place high value on convenience and comfort when in airports or onboard an aircraft, and with Air Canada Signature Service we provide a level of service unsurpassed in North America.”

 

Book it: Prices start from £2,045pp for a return business class fare from Heathrow to Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

 

aircanada.com

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has redesigned both its first and business-class flights onboard its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda.

 

First-class travellers can now fly in the Suite, a seat offering complete privacy thanks to a sliding door. Once tucked away, travellers can use the 43-inch television, PC and USB ports. Couples travelling together can remove the moveable partition between seats to spend time together.

 

In the business cabin travellers can also choose between sharing space or being alone thanks to moveable partitions. Business travellers can preorder their meals up to 24 hours in advance.

 

Architect Kengo Kuma, who helped redesign the cabins, says: “My work is about understanding how space is used and creating the most comfortable conditions in any environment.”

 

Book it: Return business-class flights from Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda start from £3,667pp.

 

ana.co.jp

British Airways

British Airways

A £6.5 billion investment across the airline’s fleet has led to a new-look business-class Club Suite.

 

The 1-2-1-configuration guarantees aisle access for all, while free Wi-Fi and 18.5-inch screens ensure plenty of opportunities for work and play. The new cabins also offer 40% more storage space to business travellers.

 

The cabin was debuted onboard the A350 on the London-Madrid service, although the aircraft is now flying long-haul to both Toronto and Dubai while three new A350s and a Boeing 777 are also now getting the cabins. Next year will see the programme rolled out across the rest of BA’s fleet.

 

Alex Cruz, chairman and chief executive, says: “We have one of Europe’s largest long-haul fleets and most far-reaching global networks, so it will take time to make the cabin available to everybody.”

 

Book it: The cost of flying in one of the A350’s new club suites starts from £1,497pp for a return flight to Toronto.

 

britishairways.com

DELTA AIR LINES

The US carrier is fitting out its Boeing 767-400 fleet with a new Delta One cabin, with the first one taking to the skies from Atlanta to Heathrow from 17 November. The 34-seat cabin will offer a combination of aisle access for all and privacy thanks to its 1-2-1 configuration, while travellers will enjoy 18-inch wide screens and customisable lighting.

 

A self-service area will mean travellers can help themselves to snacks and beverages at their leisure throughout the flight. The Delta One cabins are already proving popular, having been introduced onboard the carrier’s Airbus A330- 900neos, its A350-900s and its 777-200s.

 

Corneel Koster, Delta senior vice-president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, says: “The new seats are based on our latest design and provide customers with new levels of choice, comfort and space in both Delta One and our brand-new Delta Premium Select cabin.”

 

Book it: Prices for a return fare from Heathrow to New York JFK in the new cabin start from £2,910pp.

 

delta.com

QANTAS

QANTAS

The Australian carrier is upgrading its fleet of Airbus A380s, with the first one already available on its London-Sydney service via Singapore.

 

The new Business Suite has space for 70 passengers, as opposed to 64 previously, while everyone in it will benefit from direct aisle access, again thanks to the 1-2-1 configuration. In addition, screens have grown in size from 12 inches to 16.

 

Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce says the mid-life upgrade of the A380 will ensure its status as one of the most popular aircraft. “This upgrade will see customers enjoy everything the aircraft has to offer for years to come,” he says.

 

“We’ll have next-generation seating across our entire long-haul fleet of A380s, A330s and 787s.”

 

Book it: Prices for a return business-class fare on the Heathrow-Sydney flight start from £4,256pp return.

 

qantas.com

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