Artfully Crafted

Not all business classes are made the same, saysNick Perry

In their efforts to prevent an airline seat from becoming a commodity, and to justify the increasingly hefty price differential between business class and economy – or, if they offer it, premium economy – fares, some business cabins have become so good they are making first class as a proposition entirely obsolete.

Flat beds are now de rigueur and an industry standard. And some airlines have been genuinely creative – both with their seat design and layout but also with the overall onboard product, as well as smoothing the experience at both ends of the journey.

Qatar Airways (qatarairways.com), which was just voted by Ultratravel’s learned readers as offering the best long-haul business-class product in the sky, is an exemplar, and its award is recognition for genuine creativity aloft but also in the service it offers on terra firma – at check-in, in transit and on arrival.

The centrepiece is the Qsuite on board its new aircraft: exclusive enclaves sheathed behind sliding doors (complete with a “Do Not Disturb” indicator for those wishing to sleep in privacy) and replete with plush pillows and quilted mattresses, The White Company sleepwear and the requisite amenity kits. But the Qsuite isn’t just a space for relaxation: with the ability for the central forward- and rear-facing seats to be configured as a social space for four people, facing each other for meals or meetings, it’s also a space that’s made for conviviality and productivity.

The innovations also extend to the airport experience. Dedicated check-in areas and the airline’s Premium Lounges – such as the new facility recently reopened at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 as well as in Bangkok – include a buffet, bars and a high-quality à la carte restaurant.

On arrival at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, the airline offers its passengers access to pre-bookable Al Maha meet-andgreet services (complimentary for its elite frequent flyers), whereby travellers are either sped through all arrival formalities or, for those in transit, spirited into the huge Al Mourjan lounge where they may avail themselves of the superlative space, service and fare before being ushered to their onward flight. With a business class like this, who needs first?

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

With innovative solutions, a trio of airlines are upping their premium products in the air.

By Farhad Heydari

LUFTHANSA

Sheathed behind “nearly ceilinghigh walls that can be closed for privacy” in a soothing palate of blues and wooden accents, the new First Class by the German flag carrier is a game-changer for the airline, featuring among other accoutrements, a viewing screen that extends across the entirety of the enclosed enclave, capably designed by PriestmanGoode. lufthansa.com

AMERICAN AIRLINES

With direct aisle access, a privacy door and fully flat seats that can be converted into a chaise longue, all of it created by design powerhouse Teague, the new Flagship Suite lavishes passengers with acres of storage and surface space as well asinnovative lighting to counter and fight jet lag. aa.com

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

It has long been recognised as a game-changing product and now, the latest generation of Upper Class is set to up the ante with 30 new seats, a ‘social space’ dubbed as The Retreat Suite and another mixed space called The Loft on its hotly anticipated Airbus A330neo aircraft. Expect a rollicking time aloft. virginatlantic.com

Some business cabins have become so good they are making first class as a proposition entirely obsolete