Indians are travelling abroad like never before. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), India will account for a record 50 million outbound tourists in 2020, a 100% jump from the current 25 million. Indians are also not shying away from spending on and demanding better services in the skies. They are looking for a lot more than a complimentary soup and a few breadsticks on board. What, you may ask?
How about a zero-gravity seat in which you can rest your weary self through a long-haul flight? Some even offer mood-lighting, therapy sessions, and believe it or not, private suites! Leading the charge on this crusade to ‘better flying’ are airline companies from Asia and West Asia. Here are some of the most exclusive experiences that are up for offer 35,000 feet above the ground.
The goodness of technology
For a couple of decades now, Emirates has been convincing us persistently about their prowess as an innovative and luxurious carrier. Their new Boeing 777 liners set the bar pretty high for others. In fact, these flights are designed to make even economy travel a lot more comfortable than one would expect. The First and Business class suites are another deal altogether. Here, patrons have the advantage of walking into their very own private rooms. The novelty in each of these rooms is the inclusion of zero-gravity seats that are specially designed to emulate a feeling of weightlessness. Straight out of NASA, you may imagine. And rightly so.
The soft, leathered seats and well-thought-through upholstery match the creature comforts offered by luxury hotels. Middle seats have the advantage of virtual windows that stream a live feed on a make-believe window, so you’re not missing out on anything. How cool is that? You’re also pampered with ambient mood lighting, temperature controls, a 32-inch HD LCD television, Safari binoculars, and an entertainment system with thousands of options. All in all, Emirates and Mercedes have endeavoured to offer the S-Class luxury up in the air. The elements inspired by Mercedes S-Class include the choice of material used, the quality of workmanship and the lighting system, within the First and Business class suites. Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, vice-president, India-Nepal, Emirates, describes it as thoughtful luxury. “This is the first time an Emirates product has been so influenced by another luxury brand, but it is a natural fit as both Emirates and Mercedes-Benz have the same unwavering commitment to fine detail, uncompromising quality, and a drive to push boundaries.”
A therapeutic flight
Cathay Pacific has got its luxury and passenger care right. Meditation comes to you, on a display screen during a long-haul flight. Cathay Pacific’s ‘Travel Well With Yoga’ ensures that passengers try yoga. The programme offers videos that can be played during flights. These are sprinkled with generous expert advice. The instructions are available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese. The entire programme is split into six easy-to-follow videos, in which Pure Yoga’s founding teacher Patrick Creelman and senior instructor and co-founder Almen Wong demonstrate routines designed to improve circulation, enhance joint mobility and relax the mind.
Simon Cuthbert, who manages platforms and connectivity for the airliner, says, “We all know that sitting still for a long period of time can be uncomfortable. The need to get up, move and get your blood pumping is important during a flight. Yoga is an innovative way to do this. There are a series of exercises that can easily be done from an economy class seat, whilst other moves are suitable for after the flight in your hotel,” he says.
Cabins for the dreamer
First Class travel in Qatar Airways’ Qsuite offers customisable seating areas. Passengers can now use separator panels to adjust the way their partitions and seats are arranged. For instance, by moving partitions around, you could have a bedroom in the sky or a mini conference room if you want one. In addition to seating, even the screens are adjustable. It’s no surprise that the Qsuite was awarded the ‘Best Cabin Concept’, winning the coveted Crystal Cabin Award, a one-of-its-kind international award for excellence in aircraft interior innovation.
“We are thrilled to be offering our loyal customers this unique product, which is unlike anything they have experienced before. The features that Qsuite offers provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own needs,” said Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker.
Rich in health
While comfort, technological marvels, and unbelievable customisations are impressive, there’s nothing that comes close to gastronomic pleasures, and Etihad Airways has chosen this as the quickest way to its customers’ hearts. Their newly-introduced Weqaya menu, which quite literally translates to ‘prevention of illnesses’, is now available in business and first-class long-haul and ultra-long-haul outbound flights from Abu Dhabi and luxury lounges. The department of health was instrumental in putting this nutritious and one-of-its-kind menu together. Neerja Bhatia, vice-president–Indian Subcontinent, Etihad Airways, says, “With the addition of the Weqaya menu, we are extending our support to the department of health-Abu Dhabi, and offering an enhanced in-flight dining experience to guests, with more choices on-board.”
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