Feature: Airline Update
is going to be more environmentally friendly. The bottom line is important too,” she adds. Boeing estimates its delivery of Dreamliners will
help connect at least 450 new city pairs around the world and continues to flaunt its green credentials. “Our customers told us they wanted an airplane that had the seating capacity of a 767 and the range and speed of a 777 or 747,” says John Roundhill, former vp of product development for Boeing commercial. “And that is just what we are giving them. Every 787 delivered will give airlines
“Every 787 delivered will give airlines an airplane that makes a strong difference to their fleets”
an airplane that makes a strong difference to their fleets. In this segment of the market, there is no airplane in service today, or on the drawing boards for the future, that comes anywhere close to the efficiency of the 787 Dreamliner.” That’s all very well, but what does it mean for Business travellers themselves? We asked two travel agents for their comments: - “The introduction of the Dreamliner is eagerly anticipated as it will reduce airlines’ costs on certain long haul routes. This will hopefully translate into more competitive pricing or greater capacity and more availability for corporates. - “Excitement surrounding the launch of
the A380 is likely to be roused again by the Dreamliner. Travellers will certainly look to see if they can get on to the A380 – it has created interest, and hence flights book out early and fares are on the increase. I see no reason that the Dreamliner will be any different and it might make an alternate airline more attractive if they are using a differing aircraft and tailor their pricing accordingly.” What is perhaps of more interest to Business travellers is the product to be found onboard – an area of constant innovation and development. The Dreamliner promises a ‘revolutionary’ cabin that reduces jetlag by lowering the ‘cabin altitude’ and employing ambient LED lighting to imitate daylight or night, and the transition between them, as appropriate. In terms of actual seat concepts, launch
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customer ANA says its re-designed ‘Inspiration of Japan’ product brand – which enters service on the carrier’s new B777-300ER on the London- Tokyo route this month (October) – will feature on its Dreamliners, though it remains tight-lipped on what it refers to as ‘the features of the cabins’. A cabin ‘feature’ is something we’re getting accustomed to with such auspicious launches, what with Singapore Airlines debuting private First suites on its A380s, Emirates introducing onboard showers and a large lounge and bar, and Lufthansa unveiling a new First product. While some airlines were stripping their aircraft
of First cabins, the German carrier was not alone in launching a new top-end product during a difficult time for the global economy. Etihad Airways revealed new First suites last year, while British Airways employed actress Rachel Weisz as the face of its new First cabin. Launched in February after investment of £100million in its flagship brand, the carrier likens the product to an ‘intimate private jet experience’. Despite well documented financial difficulties,
BA is not standing still, says chief executive Willie Walsh. “We continue to invest in our customers
Selected cabin developments
Continental’s new flatbed BusinessFirst seat is now onboard all its services out of London Heathrow • US Airways has introduced a new Envoy Suite on its A330-200 aircraft serving London-Philadelphia • Gulf Air revealed its new premium product, Falcon Gold, earlier this year • Delta has announced a $1.3billion investment in ground and air product over a three-year period • Oman Air has introduced new cabins and aircraft, as well as the world’s first inflight mobile phone and wifi internet service • Korean Air is the next carrier to take delivery of the A380 and is also due to receive its first Dreamliner next year, while its extensive cabin upgrades continues across its fleet of wide-bodied aircraft • Alitalia has introduced its new Magnifica business class, complete with flatbed seats, and Classica Plus premium economy offering • Finnair is announcing a brand re-launch this November which is said to be incorporating the cabins too •
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