Expensive airlines suites is seen as an accessory to the luxury travel industry.
The airline industry had to go through a tough period during the economic downturn. They have bounced back with the increase in business travel. With increasing demand the airlines have pulled out all stops in providing more luxurious comforts for the passengers who are willing to pay for it. We bring here the top ten most expensive airline suites.
Singapore Airlines still has the honor of selling the most expensive airline ticket. The first commercial passenger on the inaugural flight of Airbus A 380 had to bid for the ticket on eBay and it cost him a whopping $100,000. The winner was the first commercial passenger to occupy the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 VIP Cabin. Apart from the luxury flight from Singapore to Sydney the airlines had thrown in other perks for the winner like a special dinner in Paris and an invitation to witness the delivery of the first Airbus A380 aircraft.
Etihad Airways, based at Abu Dhabi is the national carrier of United Arab Emirates. It’s a luxurious experience flying the airline. Their Diamond First Class Suite is the ultimate in luxurious comfort and personal space. It has redefined luxury air travel. The spacious seat converts into a 6ft 8? flatbed, with an adjustable headrest, footrest and lumbar support. The suite boasts of a massage chair and a mini bar. The guests can dine when they like by ordering from a la carte menu or Anytime Kitchen. The entertainment facilities in the suite include iPod, USB, Ethernet and 23 inch personal LCD TV.
US Airways is introducing Envoy Suite on their intercontinental flights. This is the next generation business class travel that is being introduced on their entire A330 fleet. The fully adjustable seats are remarkably comfortable. Every seat has aisle access but is angled away for privacy. The suite has been designed in such a way that everything you need is right at your fingertips. The luxurious comfort of the Envoy Suite ensures that you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to do business.
Jet Airways has started plying the London to Mumbai route with a new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The configuration of the entire aircraft is very luxurious and the highlight is the first class cabin. The 26 square foot room has two seats that convert into an 83 inch bed. The cabin features 23 inch flat screen TV. The cabin boasts of a pair of sliding doors for privacy. Gourmet meals are served on porcelain dinnerware. The cost of a one way ticket is £4,421.10.
Germany’s national airline Lufthansa is known for introducing innovative concepts to raise the level of services for their passengers. They have introduced the first class terminal at its Frankfurt hub and is now revamping its fleet of B747-400s. The window seats have been converted to full length flat beds with a plush armchair besides it. Sound-absorbing curtains and sound-deadening insulation beneath the carpet will ensure a quieter, more spacious and more exclusive atmosphere in first class.
Called the JAL Suite, the first class cabins on the Japan Airlines international flights are spacious and ultimate in luxury. They have been ergonomically designed and outfitted with premium genuine leather. The seat reclines completely to become a bed. Tempur has developed plush mattress pads and pillows to ensure a good night’s sleep for the passengers. The spacious suites boast of an exciting in-flight entertainment system and innovative lighting system.
The economic downturn had impacted the airline industry adversely but the first class passenger segment was the least affected. In fact the airlines added more luxurious amenities to justify the high cost of luxury air travel. Singapore Airlines known for its largest seats in the first class cabin introduced Singapore Suite on its A380 aircrafts. The suite features a standalone bed not one converted from a seat, a lavish armchair, full length wardrobe, 23 inch TV monitor, gourmet dining and best of champagne from Krug. A double bed can be configured for couples.
Emirates is the only airline that provides you the facility for an invigorating shower on their A380 aircrafts. They have installed two exquisitely designed showers for their First Class customers. You have the choice of two shower kits with Timeless Spa products. The range has been designed and created exclusively for Emirates with finest natural and indigenous ingredients. Make an appointment with the purser and he will prepare the Shower Spa for you and you will arrive absolutely fresh at your destination.
Last year British Airways renamed their first class cabin. They simply call it First. It is a completely new luxurious design which boasts of personal wardrobe, a bed which is one and half times more wide than the previous one, leather-bound writing table and personal electronic blinds. The seats are 60% wider and the new lighting system recreates the ambiance of natural light through the day. At night the bed can be extended into a fully flat bed with a single piece quilted bed. Natural personal care products from D.R. Harris packed in an Anya Hindmarch bag is given complementary to all the First passengers.
Singapore Airlines had to wait two full years before they got the delivery of their first Airbus A380 in 2007. They configured the double decker aircraft for 471 passengers out of which the 12 fully enclosed suites were created for the first class passengers. These most expensive airlines suites feature sliding doors with privacy screens, full-size beds (two with double beds, in fact), and a 23-inch LCD entertainment system. The décor and the amenities read like a long list of luxury brands – Leather by Poltrona Frau, pajamas and linens by Givenchy, toiletries by Ferragamo, and, naturally, refreshment by Dom Perignon and Krug. The airline has priced it one third higher than their regular first class fare at $7,200.
If interested in flying privately, care to check the list of most expensive private jets.
