In the face of recession that is taking longer than one expects, to recede, British Airways has introduced what it calls its First suite and cabin, in other words, its new First Class. And this, at a time with other airlines are cutting their first class seats to focus on economy traffic.

To bring the super-comfort over to the passenger, the airline has spent a whopping $176 million. The new suite’s seats are said to be 60 per cent wider at the shoulder. It has a personal wardrobe, besides natural effect lighting.
If you wish to doze off, you can also slip into soft cotton pyjamas. The waiting crew makes your bed. You can freshen up with an array of products such as eye gel, lip balm, moisturizer, that come in a special bag.

The airline apparently drew inspiration for the first class suite from classic British luxury car brands Aston Martin and Jaguar.

A leather-bound writing desk that converts into a dining table, a USB port, and electronic blinds are the other customized features. Demand for first class seats in the time of tight purses, is weak, according to figures from International Air Transport Association. Despite its own cost cutting measures, British Airways too posted losses in the current financial year. With the First Suite, the quality travel seeker may after all consider luxurious on-air experience for once.

Via: British Airways, Breakingtravelnews

Air New Zealand recently won the coveted ATW Airline of the Year award. There are reasons behind that coveted award being given to Air New Zealand, and that is because they know how to offer comfort when you spend less. This time around, the airline surprised everyone by announcing they would offer beds to passengers in economy class as well.

While the pictures look quite cool, I am wondering how two strangers would sleep next to each other especially if they don’t get along well from the first minute. The new seating arrangement would give a lot of leg room, space for comfort and even privacy for passengers that one may not get in flights that are business class. If you are travelling to New Zealand next time, make sure you travel by Air New Zealand

It is interesting how New Zealand Airlines have tried so hard to reach this stage, while most companies have tried to make the most money off passengers. Of course, this company believes in the comfort of the passengers and it shows in their behaviour and effort to be the best in the industry. It would be nice to see how this would be received by the passengers in the next few months.

Via: Gadling

Etihad has launched its immensely luxurious Diamond First Class Cabin. It comes with individual suites and offers a lot of privacy, comfort, and increased storage. It would launched from August 2009 and would be available on Etihad’s new fleet of flights. The planes come with extra large seats that turn into full sized flat beds and would measure 80.5 inches.

It would come with a built-in massager, lumbar support, power sockets for your laptop, iPod etc. Each suite would have its own LCD screen and 600 hours entertainment. You could choose the movie you wanna watch and have loads of fun on the way to your destination.

It would also come with extremely sensual bathrooms and full length mirrors. From the window you can appreciate the beauty of blue skies. The cabin interiors have been designed by some of the best designers of the world including Poltrona Frau. It is not known how much the tickets would cost.

Very often, we hear about a bundle of complaints attached with flights offering an impression that air travel these days is no less than a hell. Earlier flying used to be a fun activity against its present status where it has crooked into an absolute errand. With long lines, confined seating, you are expected to pay extra dough in the name of amenities. And in return feel fortunate if they happen to ask you for water. I doubt but Newsweek report claims that amidst ongoing scenario and floating bad thoughts about air travel, there is still some good there in skies provided you are ready to spill over the hefty amount.

There are airlines (mostly flying overseas) that propose magnificence like champagne, caviar, private cabins, and lie-flat beds. The eight most opulent airlines in the world enlisted by Newsweek in order are:

· Virgin Atlantic
· Qatar Airways
· Emirates
· Singapore
· British Airways
· Qantas
· Thai Airways
· Swiss International Airlines

Here are few interesting shoots:

Via Gadling