When commercial air travel took off (excuse the pun) in the 1950s and 60s, it was considered the height of luxury and sophistication. Passengers dressed up smartly for flights – shirts, ties and suits for men and elegant dresses, hats, heels, even gloves for women. These days, things are a little different; bad food, cramped seats and stale air are as far away from glamour as possible leaving little time for style. It’s not all bad however; there is one section of the aircraft that is a throwback to the days of old – style, class and comfort – all in one cabin; the first class cabin. The world’s leading airlines have invested millions of Naira to lure deep-pocket travellers. It’s not just the smooth, efficient service and quality food and fine wines, luxury bed linens and finishes, exclusive accessories and state-of-the-art entertainment and technology all add up to a sumptuous experience. If you have been lucky enough to travel in some of these cabins, the experience may leave you wondering if you could ever fly economy again. Nafisah Mohammed explores the most luxurious accommodations ever to take to the skies.
Qatar Airways
The big three Middle Eastern airliners – Qatar Airways Emirates and Etihad – have stolen a march on their European, Asian and US competitors and come up smiling, especially in the rarefied world of first class travel. Possibly due to the well-known Arab love of luxury, these companies were well placed to understand and offer their customers the very best of everything. Qatar Airways has long been the little brother of the three but these days, the Doha-based company is stepping up its game and has unveiled its new Airbus A380 jet, which features an almost unrivalled first-class cabin. The upper deck of the plane features eight first-class ‘suites’ – ultra-wide seats which each measure 23 inches wide, and which are covered in a soft woven fabric, leather and decorated with engraved copper. Each seat converts to a fully flat 2.2 metre-long bed, while each passenger gets their own wardrobe with pockets containing slippers, pyjamas and Giorgio Armani and Christian Dior amenity kits.
Passengers are also treated to remotely-controlled adjustable lighting and electrically operated window blinds in addition to a huge video library. Also available is a 48cm personal HD video screen with a 3.8inch touchscreen controller and a table which folds out to create a dining table for two people. The first class cabin also features two bathrooms which the airline claims ‘creates a spa-like warmth’. Taps are sensor operated while the room features a large sink and wardrobe. Under stunning chandeliers and inspired by contemporary Arabian design, passengers are treated to vases of fresh flowers throughout the cabin.
Emirates
This is probably the most popular of the Gulf’s big three. Emirates is well-known for its luxury product. While many would argue that their first class customer service may not be as top notch as other carriers, it more than makes up for any deficiencies with the sheer opulence of amenities offered (in flight shower, hello!). Décor and style may not be to everyone’s taste as there is a lot of gold and bling on display but the Dubai-based carrier’s attention to detail and sense of occasion is what makes the experience all come together. There are 14 first class private suites featuring remote controlled sliding doors for complete privacy along with a vanity desk, personal mini bar, a 23” inch LCD movie screen and, of course, a flat bed. The shower facilities feature heated floors, customised shower products, hair dryer and fluffy towels. The bar/lounge area towards the rear of the plane’s upper deck allows for mingling with others passengers and keeps the mind off extra-long journey times.
Etihad
While Etihad offer an excellent first class product with interior finishes as deluxe as you would imagine, what truly sets the Abu Dhabi-based group apart is their revolutionary new ultra luxury cabin – The Residence. It is complete with a personal savoy-trained butler. The Residence is available on Etihad’s A380s and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Accommodating single or double occupancy, the 12 square metre space includes a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower room. Stepping onto the A380 is more like arriving at a smart business hotel than a plane; even the galley is like an elegant reception with chocolate brown and champagne-hued décor. The living room has a luxurious Poltrona Frau leather double-seat sofa with ottoman, two dining tables, chilled drinks cabinet and 32-inch flat screen TV. The bedroom in The Residence is decorated with delicate fabrics and furnished with a natural fibre mattress double bed, Egyptian cotton sheets and choice of pillows. A soft-carpeted hallway leads to the ensuite bathroom with shower, exclusive toiletries and bathrobes. On board, The Etihad Butler is on hand to ensure all arrangements are in place and plan both the inflight and après-flight itinerary according to personal preferences. An in flight chef can prepare meals from a range of gourmet menu options or even create a guest’s favourite dish.
Singapore airlines
Singapore Airlines was the first carrier to unveil the gigantic, double-deck Airbus A380 and used plenty of the extra space to treat their first class passengers to not just a comfy seat, but a full “suite,” which can be closed off from the aisle by a pair of sliding doors. Best of all, the central divider between the suites lowers, allowing couples to enjoy the comfort of a double bed. The interior was designed by French luxury yacht designer Jean-Jacques Coste and comes along with a plush soft leather armchair hand-stitched by the Italian master craftsmen Poltrona Frau. Headphones are from Bose, amenity kit from Salvatore Ferragamo including a full-sized bottle of cologne and everything else is Givenchy: blankets, pillows, slippers, and pajamas.
British airways
While those familiar with this trusty British airliner may not associate it with luxury, their first class cabin is now in line for an upgrade, and one that takes it cues from the luxury car scene.
The first class seat has been painstakingly created by the London design team Forpeople, based on feedback from regular customers, with comfort at the heart of the experience. There are also hints at a new design direction for the carrier, with a celebration of quintessential British style. Quilted seats, chrome finishes, leather in abundance and a sleek warm-toned interior mimic the recent interior design trend found in luxury hotels across the UK.
There are several automotive style details too – the seat controls, contrast leather stitching and elegant curves mirror the aesthetic found in Aston Martins or Bentley Continentals. The carrier has, however, opted against enclosing its first-class seats – there are no sliding doors that Etihad and Emirates supply to their first-class guests. While the herringbone seat provides travellers with more legroom, they are of a similar configuration and size to the business-class seats found on other international carriers. As to the bed – it is fully flat, 6’6” long, spacious, and 22” wide with a variety of seat settings. This compares to Etihad’s 6’8” long bed and 29.5” seat width and Emirates 6’6” long bed and 23” seat width. However, the suites do include four new storage areas. A new ottoman next to the adjustable footstool can hold shoes and handbags, while a personal wardrobe for jackets and coats is accessible from the seat.
A new locker positioned at eye level is ideal for smaller personal effects such as tablets, spectacles, passport and washbags. And a mirror has been fitted to the inside of the locker door for personal grooming. Customers needing to charge devices have a stowage area next to the armrest.
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