When the Wright brothers changed the course of human travel with their legendary, albeit short, eight-second flight, little did they imagine how far the art of flying would go. Today, the joys of premium air travel are many and airlines are constantly pushing the boundaries when it comes to making flying as indulgent as possible.
We can bet the Wright brothers never imagined on-board showers, bars or private suites with butler service in the skies and this is just the start. Here are some luxurious experiences that await premium class passengers, this year.
Self-moisturising pyjamas
Travellers’ on-board Emirates First Class may be used to the many luxuries while flying, but the Dubai-based carrier has gone one step ahead with its new moisturising pyjamas. Available on overnight long-haul routes, the jammies are “the world’s first moisturising loungewear designed for an airline.”
The pyjamas release natural moisturiser on to the skin by way of microcapsules containing nutrient-rich brown sea kelp and brown sea algae, preventing dehydration and stimulating circulation.
The soft grey and black-hued pajama set, which can be reused for up to 10 washes, comes with a matching eye mask, slippers and a felt pouch.
Better beer
A combination of low air pressure and humidity is known to alter one’s sense of taste and smell by up to 30%. To counter this, Cathay Pacific, along with the Hong Kong Beer Co. has launched the Betsy beer, a custom craft beer that retains its flavours at 35,000 feet, an altitude when others lose theirs. The beer is brewed from unfiltered wheat beer and, to combat bitterness, it is carbonated 10% higher than regular sea-level beer, leaving it with a better mouthfeel. Its complex texture promises to stimulate the flavour receptors on the tongue. The beer is available in business and first class cabins on select Cathay Pacific flights from Hong Kong.
Christian Lacroix amenity kits
T he latest entrants to the world of luxury amenity kits are the designer label Christian Lacroix and Hungarian skincare brand, Omorovicza. The two have joined hands with Etihad Airways to design their new First Class amenity kits, stocked with a lip balm, a facial moisturiser, and a nourishing hand treatment from the Omorovicza’s ‘Gold’ collection. The Hungarian beauty brand draws its philosophy from the tradional healing springs at Budapest and all their products are created using their concept of Hydro Mineral Transference. Designed by Christian Lacroix, the bags are available in two colours — plum and grey.
Indian gastronomy
Now Business Class travellers flying Singapore Airlines can indulge in local fare with a very traditional, Indian set meal — the Ruchi Thali.
Curated by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor, the thali stays true to the textures and aromas of Indian cuisine and uses seasonal produce. The three-course meal attempts to recreate the hospitality of an Indian hone kitchen, and yet remain inventive, with dishes like Caprese Beet Tikki with Kasundi cream, Zafrani Mewa Pulao and Vanilla Mascarpone Phirni.
Add a perfectly set pot of set yoghurt and it’s sure to be a memorable meal, up in the air. The thali is currently available on flights from Mumbai and Delhi.
