Northstar

FEATURE www.travelweeklyweb.com Business Class Flies High Airlrlineinesareseeinghealthydemandfortheirbusinessclassproductsastheeconomy iimproves travel surges. This issue we look at the different business class products offered by leading airlines. s are s eing healt y de Natalie Chen Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines' Business Class is recognised as the epitome of business class travel. Developed together with James Park Associates, the same designers who gave the Eastern & Orient Express its opulent interior, the new Business Class product available on Singapore Airline's Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A340-500 aircraft is the largest ever to be introduced in the airline industry. Measuring 30 inches in width, it is almost 50 per cent wider than most products in this class. The innovative design allows the new product to be converted into one of the largest full-fl at beds in its class. The 76-inch long bed with a generous 30- inch width enables customers to sleep in their natural sleeping positions. The seats are arranged in a forward facing, four abreast (1-2-1) confi guration that offers all customers direct access to the aisle and more personal space and privacy. In addition, every seat has a fi xed back shell that extends to the sides for enhanced privacy. For the business traveller who prefers to work, the new Business Class is easily converted into an offi ce with its height-adjustable table, well-positioned reading lights, in-seat laptop power supply and USB ports. Although SIA does not provide breakdowns of sales by class of travel, its Business Class product is very popular with its customers. Its Business Class seat is designed with its customers in mind. When SIA started the conceptualisation of the product for its future A380 fl eet in 2002, it actively involved its frequent flyers in every step of the development to understand what they would like to have for the new product. Besides the comfort and space provided by the Business Class seat itself, customers can enjoy an unrivalled level of service in its cabins. Its customers can look forward to exquisite restaurant-style fine dining on board, for example. SIA's infl ight meals are designed by a panel of eight world-renowned 4 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 24 MAY 2011 master chefs and presented on exclusive Givenchy-designed serviceware and crystal. Its Business Class cabin also boasts a fi ne wine list selected by world- class wine experts. Etihad Airways Etihad's Pearl Business class, which won the World's Best Business class award at the 2009 Skytrax World Airlines Awards, offers guests a range of features and services designed to make the travel experience as personalised, comfortable, and hassle-free as possible. New advanced seats which are longer and wider, and able to transform into fully fl at 6' 1" beds. Seats are placed in a special 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat is fitted with larger meal and cocktail tables, luxurious leather headrests, armrests and ottomans upholstered by Poltrona Frau, ambient lighting with dimmer settings, and a state-of-the-art Panasonic eX2 infl ight entertainment system with a 15.4 inch personal screen, with access to more than 600 hours of audio-video on- demand entertainment. Guests can dine when they like, choosing from an extensive international á la carte menu or "Kitchen Anytime" menu. Exclusive boutique wines are also served on-board 28 Etihad destinations globally offer Etihad Chauffeur, a luxury limousine service which provides guests with their own personal chauffer. A dedicated lounge is offered in Abu Dhabi airport for those passengers awaiting the Etihad Chauffeur service; Business class guests have access to Etihad's luxury lounges at all destinations. In its Business Class lounge, guests have access to a complimentary spa treatment from Six Senses Spa, international buffet cuisine, business, rest and relaxation and entertainment options. Families with children have access to nannies in a family room, while business travellers are provided with meeting rooms. Prayer rooms and quiet rooms are also available. www.travelweeklyweb.com nd f r t eir business cl s produc s as t e e onomy impr s and the demand for

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