Luxurious air travel taking off once again

First-class air travel is back on the menu, and healthy sales indicate there is a growing appetite for it.

With airlines having taken severe blows during the recession, luxury in the air is once again flying high — and this time with much greater extravagance.

Private rooms and mini-apartments in the sky have now become the order of the day as all of the major airlines compete for a new generation of travellers to whom price is not the primary consideration.

A recent study by aviation research firm OAG revealed a 34% increase in first-class seat bookings since 2009, with Asia leading the way, followed by Europe.

Airlines operating out of Asia have shown the biggest jump — from 8.5m seats in 2005 to 12.6m in 2009 and 26.7m in 2014. In Europe gains have been less, rising from 1m to over 2m.

Globally, the number of first-class seats now stands at 86m, having risen from 57.5m in 2005 and 64.1m in 2009. Since 2009, first-class seating has jumped by 63% on Air China, and 127% on China Eastern, while in the Middle East, Qatar Airways added 130% and Emirates 32%.

Recession economics have partly helped the rise of first class, as the use of private aircraft declined during the period. A measure of the worth of first class is underlined by American Airlines, where 70% of its revenue comes from 25% of its passengers.

That is underlined by figures from the International Air Transport Association revealing that first and business-class travellers make up 8% of all fares, but account for 27% of total revenues.

At an industry conference last month, Etihad CEO James Hogan announced the airline’s groundbreaking ‘Residence’ has sold out for its first 10 flights, priced at €16,000.

A three-room self- contained apartment, complete with a dedicated butler trained at the Savoy Hotel and in-flight chef, are included in the cost on Etihad’s new Airbus A380 fleet. The 125sq ft space contains a bedroom, private shower, and living area complete with flatscreen televisions. Limousine service on arrival is also included.

Etihad’s First Apartments offer a similar privacy in a smaller space, but without the butler or chef. The compartments are upholstered with Poltrona Frau leather, with an armchair and ottoman which opens into an 81in bed. Each is also equipped with an adjustable 24-inch flat screen TV, vanity cabinet, a chilled mini-bar, and a wardrobe.

Travel website Flightfox recently compiled a list of the 24 best first-class in-flight cabins, based on a variety of factors including seat configuration, aisle access, suite privacy, the type of champagne served, whether pyjamas were provided, and how the caviar was plated. Singapore Airlines took the top prize, followed by Hong Kong airline, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates.

Singapore’s individual cabins offer sliding doors and blinds for privacy, and a double bed with fine linens and turndown service.

Suites on Emirates include a mini-bar, vanity table, turndown service, and access to a shower spa.

Air France’s La Premiere mini-suites feature lie-flat seats that adapt to each passenger’s shape, mattress and quality linens, 24-in HD screen, reclining ottoman, and wardrobe.

Qantas Airways features menus by Australian celebrity chef Neil Perry, allowing passengers order individual dishes or an eight-course tasting menu. Sommeliers recommend wine and champagne.

Menus on Cathay Pacific Airways are inspired by gourmet food from Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental hotels.

“Looking back over the past 20 years, more people than ever are flying,” says Enda Corneille, Emirates country manager.

“Emirates never really saw a fall off in first class, even in the worst of the recession, and we are certainly seeing an increase in it now. This is down to a variety of factors — the network, the service and, of course, perks like limousine service on either end of the journey.”