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REVIEWS AIRLINE Qantas B787-9 business class Heathrow-Perth By Tom Otley AIRLINE By Tom Otley Singapore Airlines New A380 first class suites


AT 14,500KM, THIS IS THE THIRD-LONGEST commercial flight currently in operation, and the first scheduled nonstop service between the UK and Australia. It’s served daily by a B787-9 from London Heathrow Terminal 3.


CHECK IN & BOARDING: There was priority boarding for business class passengers, after children and the elderly. Business class is spread over two cabins in a configuration of 1-2-1. My seat was in the front cabin. The aircraft is configured for 236 passengers in three classes: 166 economy, 28 premium economy and 42 business class seats. THE SEAT: I was in row 2 in a centre seat, 2E. The seat is very spacious, with a large amount of storage space, a side table with storage and a good-sized armrest on both sides. There’s an area for magazines and a bottle of water, which was at the seat when I boarded. There is a single washroom at the front, and two washrooms at the rear between the two business class cabins. These are small, and changing into pyjamas required some dexterity. THE FLIGHT: After take-off, we were offered Martin Grant sleepsuits. Lunch wasn’t served for two hours, so we finished eating at around 1700 hours. I think this was because it was the inaugural flight, as service was much quicker on the return. There was


142 BBT May/June 2018


an appetiser of bubble and squeak – tasty, but we were given no cutlery. When I asked for a fork I was only given a napkin. I chose crab cakes to start, which were moist and full of flavour, served with corn salsa, chilli and rocket. For a main I chose grilled chicken with mustard seed carrots, basmati rice and coriander yoghurt. The portions were generous and it was delicious. Desserts included ice-cream, rhubarb trifle or cheeses. You can pre-order from a bigger menu, using Menu Select. I worked for a few hours and then reclined the bed. There’s a mattress topper, which you slip over the headrest to keep it in place. There’s also a good-sized pillow and duvet. VERDICT: This is a historic new service and it was a pleasure to be on the inaugural flight. Once onboard it didn’t seem different from many other long- haul flights, with the extra three or four hours not really adding any discomfort. That might not be the case in economy or premium economy. I hope the service is commercially successful. Being within easy reach of Perth is a great start to a visit to Western Australia.


SINGAPORE AIRLINES is in the process of introducing new seats on its Airbus A380s in all four classes: economy, premium economy, business and first. These will be fitted to its entire Airbus A380 fleet, including retrofit work on 14 aircraft that are already in service, as well as the five new aircraft being added. The new aircraft configuration carries six first class suites.


CHECK IN & BOARDING: There are two Silverkris lounges in Terminal 2B at Heathrow, and you will be directed to the left for first class. The lounge has a traditional look, with a self- service wine bar and plenty of areas for sitting, working and dining in privacy. The staff are friendly and helpful. THE SUITE: The layout takes a little getting used to. There is a leather armchair facing forward, and then running perpendicular to this in front of you is the bed, which is folded up when you first board. Along the side of the cabin by the windows are several storage spaces for magazines and bags, and there’s a personal wardrobe for hanging your clothes and storing wheel-on bags, though larger bags are stowed at the front by the two separate washrooms at the end of the corridor. THE SEAT: The leather seat (21-inches wide) can be swivelled either towards the two windows or the table area and television. I was so busy moving it around that only later did I realise you can also recline the seat and raise the leg rest if you simply want to sit back and read.


The table comes out of the side of the cabin and can be turned so that it is directly in front for dining or working, or kept slightly to one side. THE FLIGHT: Although it’s tempting to make the most of the extensive offering and eat and drink for the whole flight, this flight was landing in the early morning in Singapore; so I was keen to get a few hours’ sleep. On request, the flight attendants lowered the bed from the side wall, put a mattress topper on it, prepared the pillows and the duvet. Once you get into the bed, there are some thoughtful touches such as a lever raising one end so you can read or watch television in comfort. THE VERDICT: It’s hard to see how these suites could be bettered. They are roomy with plenty of storage space, impressive food and drink, superb service, and a comfortable seat and separate bed. The first 100MB of wifi is free, and there are several power points. If you’ve flown on an A380 you are likely to have been impressed by how smooth and quiet it is, and nowhere more so than in these suites. Simply excellent.


BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM


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