In new developments 39,000 ft above ground, two airline giants vie for the number one spot in luxury travel with their new innovations- the First Class suites. Not only did Emirates Airlines and Singapore Airlines set the aviation world abuzz, they have set high benchmarks for any other airline company looking to develop their own premium cabins. From gourmet meals to exorbitant entertainment, all in the privacy of your enclosed floor-to-ceiling cabins, we take a look inside the two pioneers of the future of airline opulence.
Emirates Airlines First Class Suite on 777ERs
In a statement released by Emirates, it described the new First Class cabins as, “Game-changing, fully enclosed private suites, inspired by Mercedes-Benz seats.” The new suites offer 1-1-1 configuration, with total of 6 cabin suites. In collaboration with Mercedes, the seats are designed to offer a“zero gravity” position, inspired by Nasa technology, as part of a multimillion dollar upgrade across all of its Boeing 777 cabins.
The cabin interiors feature tonal hues of soft greys, cream and champagne, conveying a contemporary, open and airy feel, with quiet and timeless luxury. Created in collaboration with Boeing, Rockwell Collins interior systems, Panasonic, Jacques Pierre Jean Design studio and Seattle-based design firm Teague, each fully enclosed private suite has a combines smart technologies such as virtual windows project the view from outside the aircraft using real time camera technology, room service using the video call devices and on-demand entertainment on a 32-inch Full HD LCD TV screen enhanced with Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphones created exclusively for Emirates.
Although frequent fliers will still have access to their favorite services such as personal minibars and wireless tablets with seat and entertainment controls. Passengers will now also get a surprise treat with each suite, an “inspiration kit” including the airline’s signature Hydra Active moisturizing pajamas, Bulgari amenity kits and Byredo fragrance and skincare products. Extending the partnership with Mercedes Benz, first class passengers will enjoy chauffeur service in S-class cars when arriving or departing the United Arab Emirates. The first two 777-300ERs featuring Emirates’ new first class will be flying from Dubai to Brussels and Geneva on December 1, 2017 for approximately $14,000 per suite.
Singapore Airlines First Class Suites on Airbus A380
Singapore Airlines unveiled the upgraded First Class cabin earlier this month aboard its Airbus A380 “Superjumbo” jets. It describes each suite as, “a personal oasis complete with lavish furnishing and finishes,” and offers couples travelling together the option of a luxury double bed, 27 inches wide by 76 inches long which will be dressed with a cotton Lalique duvet and two pillows. The first-class suites come equipped with Poltrona Frau leather armchairs that recline up to 135 degrees.
Other additions include a console that holds a large table for dining and working, as well several small stowage compartments that will contain Bose noise-canceling headphones and all-new Lalique amenity kits, a lit vanity mirror, and a touchscreen tablet to control the seat. Guests can also book their meals 24 hours ahead of their flight, and book a chef of their choice from The airline’s International Culinary Panel. Each suite will also have its own 32-inch HD in-flight entertainment monitor and electronic window blinds.
The brand new suites will be ready to hit the skies in late 2018 with their first flight speculated to be from Singapore to Sydney. The estimated cost per suite is said to be around t $6,000-$8,000 round-trip on that Singapore-Sydney route based on current pricing.
