ON TOP
OF THE
WORLD
Linsey McNeill fi nds out how new double-decker
aircraft are raising the bar for the fi rst-class
fl ying experience
Passengers who can afford
fi rst class are being spoilt
with unprecedented levels
of comfort following the
launch of the Airbus A380,
the world’s fi rst doubledecker
aircraft, which has given
airlines the extra space to provide
previously unheard of luxuries such as
on-board showers and full-sized beds.
Though the new ‘Super Jumbo’ is
only operating on a few routes to and
from the UK, its arrival has prompted
all carriers to up the ante when it
comes to catering to their most prized
passengers. Here is a summary of
what’s available on long-haul fl ights.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
The seat: Those lucky enough to fl y
on the A380 from Heathrow to
Singapore (departing at 10.55 and
22.05 and returning from Singapore at
12.55 and 23.45) will have their own
private suite furnished with an
adjustable leather seat, separate fullsize
fl atbed, companion chaise longue,
dining table and a 23-inch TV screen.
Remaining fl ights from Heathrow
are on Boeing 747s, fi tted with
SkySuites, which include a seat that
reclines into a fully-fl at bed topped by
an air mattress, and a 14-inch TV
screen. Flights from Manchester are
operated by B777s with no fi rst class.
In-fl ight experience: In-fl ight
entertainment includes a choice of up
to 100 movies, 100 TV programmes,
700 music CDs and a choice of
interactive and multiplayer 3D games.
Food and drink: With celebrity chef
Gordon Ramsay on the culinary panel
you’d expect the food to be good.
Flexible dining allows passengers to
8 | TWLuxury | March 2009
eat when they want and food is
complemented with Champagne and
wines from around the world.
Pre-fl ight: Kerbside greeting and
premium check-in is available at
Singapore Changi Airport and fi rst
class passengers get access to
SilverKris lounges at several airports,
including Heathrow and Singapore.
Sample fare: London to Sydney
return, from £6,635 including tax.
QANTAS
The seat: First-class cabins on A380
fl ights from Sydney and Singapore to
London (departing on Tuesdays,
Fridays and Saturdays) have 14 suites
with seats that transform into extra
long, wide beds, dining tables big
enough for two and 17-inch TV screens.
All other fl ights, including ex-
London services, are operated by
B747s with refurbished fi rst-class
cabins including seats that transform
into fully fl at 6ft 6-inch beds and come
with 10-inch TV screens.
In-fl ight experience: Entertainment
on demand is available on all fl ights
Virgin Atlantic provides bedding and duvets
and all fi rst-class passengers are
provided with luxury sheepskin
covered mattresses, new blankets and
extra-fl uffy pillows, pyjamas,
eyeshades and luxury amenity kits.
Food and drink: A menu designed by
leading Aussie chef Neil Perry has a
choice of 12 main dishes, plus there’s an
eight-course Taster Menu with
complementary wines on some fl ights.
Pre-fl ight: First Hosts greet
passengers and escort them through to
private lounges. Qantas has dedicated
lounges with à la carte dining and day
spas in Sydney and Melbourne, but at
Heathrow the lounge is shared with
partner airlines. Limousine airport
transfers are only available in
Australia.
Sample fare: London to Sydney
return, from £4,832.
EMIRATES
The seat: Cabin upgrades taking
place across the B777 fl eet mean
fl atbeds will be available on the vast
majority of Emirates’ fl ights from the
UK later this year. A380s, which
operate one fl ight a day from
Heathrow to Dubai (departing at
13.45) have fi rst-class seats with a
built-in massage facility, a 23-inch TV
screen and mini bar.
In-fl ight experience: Emirates has
used the extra space on the A380 to
provide the fi rst showers in the sky
and a fi rst-class lounge. Passengers
have entertainment on demand.
Food and drink: A dine-on-demand
meal service allows passengers to eat
at any time and the bar serves a range
of alcoholic beverages.
Pre-fl ight: Complimentary limousine
airport transfers are available for
fl ights from London, Birmingham and
Manchester. Emirates has dedicated
lounges at several airports worldwide,
including Heathrow and Gatwick.
Sample fare: London to Sydney
return, from £3,769.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
The seat: Flagship Suites have seats
that can swivel to face a desktop work
area and enough space to
accommodate a second person for
face-to-face meetings. The seat
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