By Paul Revel
ETIHAD A380 BUSINESS CLASS
Heathrow-Abu Dhabi
ETIHAD UNVEILED ITS NEW CABIN PRODUCTS for its A380 and B787 aircraft last year, including the Business Studios. The airline’s first A380 started on the London Heathrow-Abu Dhabi route at the end of December; a second is planned for May, and a third in H2 this year.
CHECK-IN AND LOUNGE: Chauffeur service is complimentary for business class within a 100-mile radius of Heathrow – great for an early flight. A fast-track security channel meant I was airside and at the Etihad first and business class lounge within ten minutes. The recently refurbished lounge includes à la carte restaurant and Six Senses spa with complimentary 15-minute treatments. THE SEAT: The Business Studios are in a dovetailed
1-2-1 configuration, all with direct aisle access. Seats CDGH face backwards. A large surface at side, plus a generous fold-down table in front, gives plenty of space and options for eating and working. Seat features include 18in TV screen, touch-screen controls, USB/multi-region power sockets, fully-flat bed and lumbar massage. The upper deck has a maximum of 81 passengers, compared to 417 economy seats on the lower deck, so it doesn’t seem to get hectic, even on a full flight.
SERVICE: Before take-off, I was welcomed by the cabin manager and offered a drink and newspaper. A stewardess explained that meal times were at our choice, but I could pre-order from the à la carte menu now, and then choose eating times later. The menu features Arabic and European dishes. Food is good, as is the wine list, and premium spirits and liqueurs are offered. Wifi is available, and the lobby lounge, with circular sofas around a coffee table, is a nice spot to have a drink with colleagues.
VERDICT An impressive product and service, with clever layout to create a feeling of space. All-aisle access, plus the quietness of the A380, puts it in the top league. The all-premium upper deck feels tranquil and relaxed. The good catering, drinks and ease of working make it a pleasant, in-flight experience. With a full turndown service and comfortable beds, this product will work well on the longer routes when Etihad adds more A380s and Dreamliners to the network.
By Paul Revel
SINGAPORE AIRLINES B777- 300ER BUSINESS CLASS
Changi – Heathrow
THE BUSINESS CLASS SEAT was rolled out more than six years ago, winning acclaim and awards as the widest of its kind. The B777s are currently being retrofitted with a new seat, which retains the same generous proportions and layout. New premium economy seats start being added to B777s during H2 this year.
CHECK-IN AND LOUNGE: The large Silverkris Lounge for business class passengers at Changi’s T3 is open 24 hours and features 25 computer terminals, well-appointed shower suites, lots of UK power points and a wide choice of hot food. There’s a well- stocked self-service bar, coffee machines and champagne on request. THE SEAT: The leather seats are 30in wide (34in on the A380) and feel more like armchairs than airline seats. It features a 15.4in flatscreen monitor, and four panels that fold down to reveal a vanity mirror,
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connectivity hub with mains and USB ports, a drinks tray and small storage compartment. There’s another small storage bin, a shelf, and a good-sized fold- out table. The flatbed is manually unfolded by the crew, who make up a comfortable bed with quilt and pillows. SERVICE: I was offered Taittinger champagne and a choice of magazines before take-off. I had pre-ordered my main course from the ‘Book the Cook’ menu – I chose a tasty lobster thermidor – from a choice of more than 30 dishes. Wines
include a Chablis Premier Cru, and, of course, cocktails include the Singapore Sling. After a long and restful sleep I was awoken for breakfast. The stewardess stowed my bed while I went to freshen up – there are no amenity kits, but the business cabin toilets offer shaving kits, toothbrushes and L’Occitane products. VERDICT: Great seat and bed. Service was quick, quiet and efficient on this late-night flight, so passengers could get a decent night’s sleep – sensible for an 7.20am London arrival on a working day.
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
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