Tuesday, February 24, 2009
US airways shows another reason it is awful
While US Airways deserves to be congratulated for eliminating beverage charges on domestic US flights after a period of a year charging for drinks, its attitude about an improvement in cabin atmosphere is telling.
Flightglobal reported US Airways CEO Doug Parker saying "the programme was very successful. What we didn't know at the time, but later experienced, was that the cabin atmosphere would also improve with fewer carts in the aisles and shorter lines to the lavatories".
Yes, shorter lines to the lavatories because of dehydration.
I've never flown US Airways, and nothing I have heard about the airline in recent years gives me cause to change that.
Flightglobal reported US Airways CEO Doug Parker saying "the programme was very successful. What we didn't know at the time, but later experienced, was that the cabin atmosphere would also improve with fewer carts in the aisles and shorter lines to the lavatories".
Yes, shorter lines to the lavatories because of dehydration.
I've never flown US Airways, and nothing I have heard about the airline in recent years gives me cause to change that.
Labels: Star Alliance, US Airways
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Farewell Silverjet
There is enough coverage of this already, but essentially Silverjet has been crippled by the rising cost of fuel, and the unwillingness of investors to throw money into the airline industry at a time of recession. The supply of cheap(in price and quality) business class seats to New York also increased from 1 April when the limits on the numbers of US airlines that could fly Heathrow to the USA were lifted, and Delta and Continental stepped in. They benefit from large domestic feeder networks in the USA (and linkages with Skyteam airlines Air France, KLM and Alitalia). Silverjet had no feeders.
Maxjet, EOS and Silverjet were all three all business class airlines flying from London (Stansted the first two and Luton for Silverjet) to New York (Dubai also for Silverjet). L'Avion remains flying from Paris to NY, and both Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines operate all business class flights of their own (and BA will be doing so from next year). The business model isn't wrong, it's just the airline business is difficult, requires network economics, and access to the most lucrative airports - in that respect, all three startups lacked the capital to fight it out in difficult times.
Meanwhile, it's cheap to fly Trans Atlantic in economy, premium economy and business class - still!
Maxjet, EOS and Silverjet were all three all business class airlines flying from London (Stansted the first two and Luton for Silverjet) to New York (Dubai also for Silverjet). L'Avion remains flying from Paris to NY, and both Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines operate all business class flights of their own (and BA will be doing so from next year). The business model isn't wrong, it's just the airline business is difficult, requires network economics, and access to the most lucrative airports - in that respect, all three startups lacked the capital to fight it out in difficult times.
Meanwhile, it's cheap to fly Trans Atlantic in economy, premium economy and business class - still!
Labels: Business class airlines
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Farewell EOS
Undoubtedly the best of the business class only airlines has folded, with the bankruptcy of EOS reported in ABTN.
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EOS flew 7 Boeing 757s in a 48 seat only configuration between London Stansted and New York JFK. It was losing money, but at relatively modest levels. It appears that it has failed to raise adequate capital to keep operating, and given the financial credit crunch, reductions in staff and bonuses in the City of London, it was going to be difficult. Virgin Atlantic's recently upgraded fast checkin and Clubhouse lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 have also made a big difference to that airline's product, and BA's services to NYC have not (yet?) been seriously hit by Terminal 5's problems, as they remain at Terminal 4 (with recently upgraded Club World seating).
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It would be nice if BA's Open Skies bought up EOS's rather nicely appointed 757s. However, it is a shame to lose the only one of the all business class carriers that actually had seats that rivalled BA and Virgin Atlantic's business class products. Silverjet's sloping lie flat seats are closer to what American Airlines offers, albeit with a far better soft product and on the ground product.
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Maxjet was squeezed at the budget end, as it essentially competed with premium economy. EOS was squeezed at the premium end, not having connections and without the frequent flyer benefits that BA and Virgin Atlantic can offer. It appears that an era of all premium travel is changing from being led by independent operators to being led by the likes of Lufthansa and BA.
Labels: Business class airlines
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
BA launches "Open Skies" website
In response to the opportunities presented by the opening up of international airline flights between the EU and the USA, British Airways is launching a wholly owned subsidiary - Open Skies - to fly between continental Europe (Paris at least, but also possibly Amsterdam and Frankfurt) and the USA (New York JFK is the priority). Open Skies will not be an all business class airline like EOS, Silverjet and L'Avion. All the details are on its website which shows it will have business, premium economy and economy class, all on Boeing 757s.
Its economy class looks nothing special (right). However it will only have 5 rows at the back, so it wont be a plane dominated by the back seats. It will be a standard 3-3 configuration.
Premium economy with a 2-2 configuration and a 52" seat pitch (far superior to premium economy on current BA or Virgin Atlantic flights, but akin to BMI's) will be filling a niche, since
premium economy is virtually unknown on most airlines in continental Europe (and from the USA). 28 seats in premium economy means seven rows, and frankly with seats like these, BA's premium economy is better than what some airlines offer across the Atlantic - certainly with few exceptions, these are at least as good as the seats in business class for most US airlines.However, the primary point of this airline is to offer BA's fully flat bed business class. With the exception of United on one route, no airlines offer this between continental Europe and the USA. BA can beat Air France, Lufthansa, KLM and others. The business class offering is to use the old BA Club World seats that are being replaced by the redesigned New Club World seats on all of the 747s and 777. The seats are being refurbished and reused, but are still very good.
So here is hoping BA can make this fly. It should be able to offer a compelling product - fully lie flat seats, a premium economy that is like 1990s business class and a small economy class cabin.
Labels: Business class airlines, Major airlines, UK aviation
Singapore Airlines starts A380 services to London Heathrow
Today the first commercial Airbus A380 flight arrived at London Heathrow with Singapore Airlines starting a daily service between Heathrow and Singapore with the A380.
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This brings the A380 destinations to three, with Sydney of course being the original. While in theory one could fly all the way from Sydney to London and back by A380, the truth is that the best connections with Singapore Airlines don't allow that. Singapore Airlines has three flights a day between Heathrow and Singapore, and the same between Singapore and Sydney, but only one flight on each route is by A380 (Singapore Airlines only has 3 of the planes at the moment).
Singapore Airline's schedule for the A380 to and from London Heathrow will settle down as follows:
From 30 March:
SIN-LHR Depart 11.30pm- arrive 5.55am
LHR-SIN Depart 11.55am- arrive 7.45am
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The Sydney route schedule from 30 March (until summer time ends in April) is:
SIN-SYD Depart 8.35pm- arrive 6.55am
SYD-SIN Depart 9.05am- arrive 2.20pm
but check Singapore Airlines website for details
Labels: Major airlines, Star Alliance, UK aviation
Monday, March 17, 2008
Qantas upgrades New Zealand domestic services too
In response to Air NZ, Qantas has also decided to target the premium market on domestic services. In October 2007 it announced it would introduce its "Cityflyer" brand, which it uses in Australia, to revitalise its profile in the NZ domestic market, a market that some thought it might vacate given the arrival of Pacific Blue, and insider knowledge that indicates it has always lost money on NZ domestic routes.
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Qantas has launched its upgraded service. It is catching up with Air NZ introducing self service checkin, online checkin, as well as enhancing on board service with complimentary morning papers and the reintroduction of on board food and drinks services, with a complimentary bar after 4pm.
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Qantas is offering:
- Complimentary hot breakfast snack or fresh fruit;
- Complimentary cocktail snacks from 4pm to 7.30pm with free wine, beer and soft drinks;
- Inflight entertainment (audio over headsets and a video programme);
- Minimum 1000 frequent flyer points for every flight, regardless of fare paid.
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In addition, Qantas is refurbishing the interior of its Boeing 737s and the domestic Qantas Club lounges at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, two of which haven't had serious investment since the Ansett days. The Wellington-Christchurch route is also seeing the return of Qantas.
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Perhaps the two premiums Qantas offers over Air NZ are frequent flyer points on every flight, and inflight entertainment. The race is on to see how customers react to what is the SECOND generation of quality domestic airline service in New Zealand, and which airlines will be the winners.
Labels: New Zealand aviation, One World
Air NZ upgraded domestic service
The introduction of Koru Hour by Air NZ on its domestic Boeing 737 services heralds the end of the fully low cost model for its domestic market. It launched Express Class back in 2001 partly to arrest costs, but also to be pro-active competitively against what was seen as the imminent arrival of Pacific Blue.
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Express Class saw the airline do away with inflight meals (which were served on all routes with aircraft that had cabin crew) and business class. The public indicated that it preferred paying lower fares than getting food on a short flight, and with the exception of MPs and the occasional super wealthy individuals, business class on domestic flights largely comprised of free upgrades and connections by those to and from long haul international business class flights. I once experienced the absurdity of it all consuming, just, a 3 course hot breakfast from Wellington to Christchurch in domestic business class. Express Class meant that only tea/coffee and mineral water would be offered with a cookie. This looked remarkably like what Air NZ once offered before the arrival of Ansett NZ in the mid 1980s.
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Express Class was a stunning success, largely by shifting the entire sales model from travel agents and call centres to the internet. The public could compare fares online and book at minimal cost, and with the added bonus of self service checkin at the airport, it significantly reduced costs for the airline, and improved service. Meanwhile, the cuts in fares dramatically increased demand for domestic air travel. The effect was significant enough that it effectively killed off competition in the form of the Northerner between Wellington and Auckland, and forced bus companies to cut their fares.
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However, the premium end of the market has felt somewhat neglected. One of the positive changes was that food in Koru Club lounges was significantly improved, to offset the end of catering on board, but the airline felt the backlash from an announcement late last year that it would be adding a row of seats to its 737 fleet and reducing the leg room in almost all rows to a standard level. With the planned Qantas alliance dead and buried by competition authorities, Air NZ feared that it could face being cherry picked on both sides by Qantas and Pacific Blue.
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Pacific Blue's entrance could rival Air NZ for low cost traffic, whereas Qantas was quite capable of appealing to the premium end of the market with upgraded product. Air NZ's decision to adopt Koru Hour is its first step to secure the business market which it largely has to itself. It is an enlightened move.
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Koru Hour is described on the website as follows:
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All weekday 737 and A320* flights between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch Dunedin and Queenstown in the mornings before 9am, and evenings between 5pm and 8pm are KoruHour flights. Start the day with great tasting Gravity plunger coffee, OJ, muesli or a muffin and a complimentary newspaper. For evening flights wine, beer and L&P are added to the beverage service and are served with a selection of Kapiti cheese, crackers and grapes.
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So in effect, a light breakfast on morning business period flights, and drinks and snacks during the evening. A light snack service is also offered during the day and late.
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"During the day, after 8pm, and all weekend, a selection of great tasting snacks are being introduced - healthy dried fruit, savoury Cassava chips and sweet NZ lollies as well as tea, coffee and water."
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So what? Well for business travellers, the convenience of a light breakfast on board means a lot, especially those without Koru Club access, and adding some drinks in the evening will add to the product seeming to be better than Pacific Blue's low cost approach. Smart travellers will compare one way fares of all airlines and choose whether to sacrifice service for price, or whether they can get a better deal on Air NZ with better service.
Labels: New Zealand aviation, Star Alliance
Virgin Blue introduces premium economy
After having been launched and touted as a wholly low cost carrier, ABTN reports that Virgin Blue has finally conceded that there is money to be made at the premium end of the market. It has now launched premium economy on Australian domestic services flown by its Boeing 737 fleet. Apparently it will also be extended to its new Embraer 170 and 190 fleet as well.
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Premium economy involves priority checkin, lounge access, 32kg baggage allowance and fully flexible and refundable fares - in other words much like business class.
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On board the front three rows will have the middle seats blocked out so that the 3-3 configuration will be 2-2 with the middle seats able to be folded down to be used as an extra table. Seat pitch is to be increased to 34", similar to the best long haul economy class on airlines like Air NZ, Thai and Malaysian.
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It is notable that premium economy is NOT available on Virgin Blue's international counterpart - Pacific Blue as explained on the website description of the 737 seating.
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Good for Virgin Blue, and this clearly is some competition for Qantas for the high end corporate market. Virgin Blue can provide fully flexible fares cheaper than Qantas on domestic business class, but still offer more legroom and width than standard economy.
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Meanwhile, it is worth noting Qantas has upped its games on domestic Australian services, with new separate Business lounges adjacent to Qantas Club exclusively for business class travellers and top tier frequent flyers (Qantas Platinum, One World Emerald), with enhanced facilities. With short haul international style seats and full hot meal service, Qantas has the premium edge, but Virgin Blue may have a value advantage.
Labels: Australian aviation, Virgin group
Monday, March 03, 2008
BA business class from City Airport?
BA has proposed flying Airbus A318 aircraft (which it doesn't yet have) from London CITY Airport to New York (probably JFK) in an all club class configuration. These flights are widely expected to stop at Shannon airport westbound (as the A318 couldn't have enough range with the weight restrictions applying at LCY to make the trip) to refuel, but fly non stop on the return leg.
Now this does have three possible appealing qualities:
1. Avoiding Heathrow. Despite the purported improvements to be brought in weeks by Terminal 5, it is still easily a 45 minute-1 hour trip from the City to Heathrow, with a minimum 1 hour checkin at best. City airport is less time to reach with shorter check in thresholds (BA proposes 15 minutes!). Essentially an easier airport all round.
2. More pleasant flight. A small all business class plane will quickly fill, disembark and luggage will come off it quicker too. With all business class there should be less bewildered tourists to have to worry about holding the flight up.
3. Westbound avoiding US immigration/customs. Now this is a trickier one. Shannon airport has full US immigration/customs facilities, so offers travellers the prospect of clearing US entry requirements at a relatively quiet airport before reaching NYC (where arrival could be treated as a domestic entry). How this works in practice is another thing, but it could prove to be worth the hassle of early disembarkation.
Now this does have three possible appealing qualities:
1. Avoiding Heathrow. Despite the purported improvements to be brought in weeks by Terminal 5, it is still easily a 45 minute-1 hour trip from the City to Heathrow, with a minimum 1 hour checkin at best. City airport is less time to reach with shorter check in thresholds (BA proposes 15 minutes!). Essentially an easier airport all round.
2. More pleasant flight. A small all business class plane will quickly fill, disembark and luggage will come off it quicker too. With all business class there should be less bewildered tourists to have to worry about holding the flight up.
3. Westbound avoiding US immigration/customs. Now this is a trickier one. Shannon airport has full US immigration/customs facilities, so offers travellers the prospect of clearing US entry requirements at a relatively quiet airport before reaching NYC (where arrival could be treated as a domestic entry). How this works in practice is another thing, but it could prove to be worth the hassle of early disembarkation.
Mark Frary at the Times thinks it could be a great idea.
Labels: Business class airlines, One World
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Delta airlines to offer yet ANOTHER new business class?
Some time ago I posted about Delta improving its international business class product, although still with cradle seats.
More recently Delta was the very first US airline to announce it was introducing fully lie flat seats in business class. These seats will be familiar to those who know the herringbone configuration that Air Canada and Cathay Pacific have introduced (which is a cheaper version of the seats seen on Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand). These seats are being fitted to Delta's new Boeing 777-200LR (long range) aircraft and were to be retrofitted onto its entire international 777 fleet.
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Now Delta has announced yet another design according to Business Traveller as seen in the image above. This version will be retrofitted to the long haul Boeing 767-400 fleet, in a 1-2-1 configuration (which is clearly superior in width to all other airline 767 configurations in business class which are typically 2-2-2 or at best 2-2-1). It looks like a direct rival to United Airlines, nd BMI, all of which have introduced forward facing fully flat bed business class seats (but none come close to outclassing Singapore Airlines new product).
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On top of that the cradle seats are being upgraded for the long haul Boeing 757 fleet!
Delta's press release on the latest Business Elite product (for 767s) is here.
Delta's press release on last Business Elite product announcement (for 777s) is here.
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It looks like finally some US airlines are catching up and surpassing the business class products of airlines elsewhere. No continental European airlines have fully lie flat business class seats. Maybe Delta CAN win premium traffic on the trans Atlantic route off of BA and Virgin Atlantic after all?
Labels: Major airlines, Skyteam
Monday, February 18, 2008
Air France and KLM to cram them in the back
Most airlines flying Boeing 777s equip them in economy class in a 9 abreast configuration, either 3-3-3 or 2-5-2. A handful put in 3-4-3 10 abreast configurations, obviously compromising aisle width and seat width to cram in some more seats.
Business Traveller reports that Air France/KLM has announced its configuration for its new fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs (a common type for replacing older Boeing 747s) and it includes a 10 abreast configuration, not something likely to please economy class travellers. However, airlines well know that most economy class travellers are driven by price - very few know about the aircraft they will fly on and the seating arrangements. Sadly this means that airlines that sacrifice space for seats will still win by selling more seats at lower prices. As Business Traveller reports:
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"This new configuration for the B777 is controversial, because although the B747 and the Airbus A380 also feature ten-across seating, they have wider cabins. A B777 has a width of 5.86 metres, whereas the B747 is 6.10 metres wide. On that basis, the A380’s cabin is positively luxurious, with a width of 6.58 metres."
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Nevertheless, I believe that airline passengers should inform themselves about what is on offer, so I have done a survey, simply using the Seatguru website, as to the width and pitch of airlines with Boeing 777s. Some are willing to reduce width and increase pitch, such as Emirates, although this seems to defeat the purpose somewhat.
9 abreast
Business Traveller reports that Air France/KLM has announced its configuration for its new fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs (a common type for replacing older Boeing 747s) and it includes a 10 abreast configuration, not something likely to please economy class travellers. However, airlines well know that most economy class travellers are driven by price - very few know about the aircraft they will fly on and the seating arrangements. Sadly this means that airlines that sacrifice space for seats will still win by selling more seats at lower prices. As Business Traveller reports:
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"This new configuration for the B777 is controversial, because although the B747 and the Airbus A380 also feature ten-across seating, they have wider cabins. A B777 has a width of 5.86 metres, whereas the B747 is 6.10 metres wide. On that basis, the A380’s cabin is positively luxurious, with a width of 6.58 metres."
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Nevertheless, I believe that airline passengers should inform themselves about what is on offer, so I have done a survey, simply using the Seatguru website, as to the width and pitch of airlines with Boeing 777s. Some are willing to reduce width and increase pitch, such as Emirates, although this seems to defeat the purpose somewhat.
9 abreast
BA, Continental, Delta, United - 31" pitch, Thai - 31-33", Air Canada, Air France (except 300ER series), Air New Zealand, Alitalia, American, Cathay Pacific, KLM (200 series only) - 32" pitch, Singapore Airlines - 32", 34" (200ER only), EVA - 33" pitch, Korean - 33-35" pitch, ANA, 34" (200 series) 31" (300 series)
Asiana, Malaysian 34"
10 abreast
BA (some 777s) 31", Austrian 32", Emirates 33-34"
Labels: Major airlines, Skyteam
EOS to Dubai
The demise of business class only airline MaxJet has seen attention shift to the remaining all business class airlines operating to and from London: Silverjet and EOS.
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Now following Silverjet, EOS the best of the two, is expanding to Dubai. EOS flies from Stansted, whilst Silverjet flies from Luton. However, both now offer compelling alternatives to BA, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates, and both are battling for a market that may only sustain one. Silverjet has 100 seats on a 767, all of an angled lie flat design (similar to what Lufthansa, Air France and Qantas currently use) in a 2-2-2 configuration (like most airlines in business class on a 767). BA’s 767s typically have 180 seats.
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Now following Silverjet, EOS the best of the two, is expanding to Dubai. EOS flies from Stansted, whilst Silverjet flies from Luton. However, both now offer compelling alternatives to BA, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates, and both are battling for a market that may only sustain one. Silverjet has 100 seats on a 767, all of an angled lie flat design (similar to what Lufthansa, Air France and Qantas currently use) in a 2-2-2 configuration (like most airlines in business class on a 767). BA’s 767s typically have 180 seats.
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EOS has only 48 seats on a 757, in a 2-2 configuration. Continental Airlines long haul 757s typically have 175 seats. EOS has fully lie flat seats, closer in design to the BA, and new generation United Airlines business class lie flat beds.
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Hopefully both will survive, as both offer something easier and faster than what the big carriers offer from Heathrow
Hopefully both will survive, as both offer something easier and faster than what the big carriers offer from Heathrow
Labels: Business class airlines, UK aviation
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Heathrow Terminal 5 and the subsequent changes
The big forthcoming airline news in London is the imminent opening of Terminal 5. Terminal 5 promises to be a revolutionary experience for airline travellers going to and from London Heathrow airport. BAA's website has a lot of detail about the terminal, which is supposed to allow for quick checkin, security and a more comfortable, spacious experience for travellers. If it proves to be true, then it will be a boon for Terminal 5's only airline - British Airways. However, following the hype of Terminal 5, there are a whole gamut of changes at Heathrow guaranteed to keep any flyers on their toes.
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I have attempted to compile a list of as much as I know that is accurate to date. Happy to have any comments to correct any errors from those who know better about dates and changes. I have listed changes according to airlines below. The changes are primarily by alliance, as the theory is that Terminal 1 becomes the Star Alliance terminal, Terminal 3 the OneWorld terminal, Terminal 4 the Skyteam and all others terminal and Terminal 2 is wound down and demolished to make way for the new Heathrow East Terminal.
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British Airways, Iberia and Qantas
On 27 March BA flights that currently operate to and from Terminal 1 will shift to Terminal 5, except flights to and from Spain, and those operated using Boeing 757 aircraft. Terminal 1 currently mainly services BA domestic and European flights, with selected long haul routes.
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On 30 April BA flights that currently operate to and from Terminal 4, except flights to and from Australia via Bangkok and Singapore will shift to to Terminal 5, this encompasses almost all BA long haul routes.
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On 21 June BA flights to and from Spain, and remaining Boeing 757 operated routes will transfer to Terminal 3. This is because all other OneWorld airlines are progressively consolidating into Terminal 3, and BA codeshares routes to Spain with Iberia. Iberia is shifting from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 on that date as well.
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On 11 October BA flights to and from Australia via Bangkok and Singapore will shift to Terminal 3 as well, for the same reason. Qantas is also shifting from Terminal 4 on the same date.
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Remaining OneWorld airlines
All other OneWorld airlines are to consolidate at Terminal 3, which is to get a progressive upgrade after the completion of Terminal 5. American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, JAL and Royal Jordanian are already located there. On 21 June, Finnair will relocate from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. From 11 October, all OneWorld airlines will be operating from Terminal 3.
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Star Alliance
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With BA vacating Terminal 1, Star Alliance airlines are intended to move progressively to that terminal, with a major upgrade of the terminal planned over the next 12-18 months. BMI, South African Airways, Asiana and LOT all currently fly to and from Terminal 1. On 29 March US Airways will commence flights to and from Terminal 1.
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On 5 May, Air New Zealand and United are both expected to shift from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1.
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On 25 October, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, TAP Portugal and Croatia Airlines are all expected to shift from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1.
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There is no timetable for Air Canada, SAS, Air China, ANA, Thai or Singapore Airlines to vacate Terminal 3 at present. The current understanding is that Singapore Airlines does not plan to shift to Terminal 1, as there are no airbridges at Terminal 1 capable of handling the Airbus A380.
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Skyteam airlines
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With BA vacating Terminal 4, it too will also get refurbished for a new life being the home of the Skyteam alliance of airlines, plus almost all other airlines unaffiliated with other alliances. Continental Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Northwest Airlines will commence flights from Terminal 4 on 29, 29 and 30 March respectively, with Delta on 26 October, but none of them currently fly to Heathrow. KLM is the only Skyteam airline currently flying to and from Terminal 4.
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On 11 October, Korean Air will shift from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4.
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On 18 October, Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia and Czech Airlines will shift from Terminal 2 to Terminal 4.
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All other airlines
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Well there is a enormous range of changes, but here are some general rules:
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On 18 October, all remaining airlines in Terminal 2 that are not OneWorld or Star Alliance will shift to Terminal 4. Terminal 2 will then be closed.
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With the exception of Brussels Airlines, all airlines in Terminal 4 not mentioned above remain there. Brussels Airlines shifts to Terminal 3 in October apparently.
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Only BA and Finnair are leaving Terminal 1, no other airlines are moving from Terminal 1.
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Around half of the non-aligned airlines at Terminal 3 are remaining the rest are going to Terminal 4.
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So there you have it. This is subject to change, and with more airlines joining alliances it may mean even more realignments at Heathrow. However, it does mean that there will be new experiences for probably the majority of travellers through the airport, and hopefully for the better. Terminal changes at Heathrow will undoubtedly cause enormous confusion in the next year!
Labels: airports, UK aviation
United slowly rolls out new business and first class
United Airlines pleasantly surprised its top end paying passengers late last year announcing a new first and business class which includes fully lie flat bed seats in business in a configuration not completely dissimilar to BA. Besides Delta with its diagonal lie flat bed design, no other US based carrier has introduced fully lie flat beds in business class. Details of the upgraded first and business classes are here. This should mean that at least one US carrier has a product that can start to be competitive with European and Asian airlines, as long as its soft product and lounges can also be brought up to scratch.
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However the rollout has not been fast. So far only one Boeing 767 and one Boeing 747 have been refurbished, with a second 767 about to be rolled out, and they appear to be concentrated on the Dulles to Frankfurt (IAD-FRA) route, and the occasional domestic US route. However, United will spend the next 18 or so months rolling out the new seats on its long haul 747s, 777s and 767s, with priority on routes to Europe, Asia and Australia (where it has the most serious competition). United says that it plans having 12 767s upgraded by September 2008 and 15 747s upgraded by December. Boeing 777s clearly come last with 50% upgraded by March 2009!
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The current United long haul first class seat is reasonable, but the business class is an old fashioned cradle seat, akin to the seats Air NZ now only has on its 767s, and Lufthansa used to have. As I fly United maybe once every couple of years, I look forward to reconsidering it as an airline worth trying on long haul international routes once more, but clearly I'll be looking for 767 flights first.
Labels: Major airlines, Star Alliance
All BA 747s now equipped with Next Generation New Club World
Just to report that according to Flyertalk, all of BA's long haul Boeing 747 fleet is now equipped with the upgraded Club World seating, which is a generation ahead of its then leading edge fully lie flat long haul Club World seats.
What this means is that if you check in advance, you can be sure that flying on a 747 service you will have next generation New Club World.
The Boeing 777s are next to be upgraded, although at present none have been.
Labels: One World, UK aviation
Monday, February 11, 2008
New Zealand's first A380 services
Business Traveller reports that Emirates will start flying Airbus A380 whalejets to Auckland from February 2009. Apparently flights EK412/EK413 (using Airbus A340s) which currently fly Dubai-Sydney-Christchurch will be redirected through to Auckland, but using new A380s.
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It is highly likely these A380s will be in the long haul lower density configuration (Emirates is planning three different A380 layouts, one will be in a high density two class "cram them in" option, probably for shorter flights to South Asia from Dubai). Emirates promises to rival Singapore Airlines in all classes, but we will have to wait and see. One of the biggest problems of Emirates is that it has different products depending on the aircraft. On its Boeing 777s it crams 10 seats to a row, whereas Air NZ, BA and Singapore Airlines fit 9, although it offers greater seat pitch than any of the others in 777s. On its A340s its seat pitch is tight, but it is the standard 8 in a row.
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A bigger question is whether Emirates is adding a flight to Auckland, replacing one, or is terminating flights to Christchurch as a result, as it is not clear.
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Other airlines flying to NZ that have ordered the A380 are far less likely to fly them to NZ:
- Singapore Airlines flies 777s to Christchurch and Auckland, with a 747 service daily to Auckland. However its latest timetable drops the 747 flight from the middle of the year replacing it with a 777-300ER. It is unlikely SQ will put the A380 on services to NZ;
- Qantas has ordered A380s, but its only large aircraft route nowadays is Melbourne-Auckland-Los Angeles with 747s, partly because most fully laden 747s can't fly non stop Melbourne-LAX.
- Thai, Malaysian, Korean are all highly unlikely to fly A380s to NZ, as none fly their largest aircraft to NZ (747s) now.
Labels: Major airlines, New Zealand aviation
Rebirth of airline service blog
Finally I have some time to do something about THIS little blog.
I am refreshing it, with the primary intention of reporting on major changes in international airline product standards. This will have a particular bent towards services to and from the UK and to and from Australia and New Zealand, being the countries I am most closely associated with.
The intention is to report on three types of changes:
1. New hard products: Airline seats, new classes (disappearance of classes) and new/upgraded lounges.
2. Major soft product upgrades: Catering, on board service, landside and airside services at airports, inflight entertainment.
3. Updates on rollout, new airlines or closure of airlines, joining of alliances, new aircraft.
So I hope this blog becomes informative and I fully intend to update it as regular as need be.
I am refreshing it, with the primary intention of reporting on major changes in international airline product standards. This will have a particular bent towards services to and from the UK and to and from Australia and New Zealand, being the countries I am most closely associated with.
The intention is to report on three types of changes:
1. New hard products: Airline seats, new classes (disappearance of classes) and new/upgraded lounges.
2. Major soft product upgrades: Catering, on board service, landside and airside services at airports, inflight entertainment.
3. Updates on rollout, new airlines or closure of airlines, joining of alliances, new aircraft.
So I hope this blog becomes informative and I fully intend to update it as regular as need be.
Monday, November 27, 2006
BA launches New Club World
The first airline in the world to introduce a truly lie flat business class seat (horizontal) has now upgraded its seat to be longer and wider, with more privacy.
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BA's new club world is easiest seen in the website http://www.newclubworld.com
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It is to be rolled out on all of its 747s and 777s in the next 18 months, and is definitely a step forward. From appearances the seats look more comfortable and spacious, and will help given Virgin Atlantic and others a run for their money - though - from appearances, it looks like Singapore Airlines' new business class product will be a more comfortable seat (although remember Singapore Airlines is not yet retrofitting its 747s and current 777s with the new seating).
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So there you have it - the second generation of lie flat bed seats, we will see what Virgin Atlantic does in response.
Labels: One World, UK aviation
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Austrian introduced angled lie flat seats in business and upgrades service
Austrian Airlines (Star Alliance) has upgraded its long haul business class seating and service to standards that broadly reflect those of its bigger neighbour airline Lufthansa.
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Austrian does not have an extensive long haul network, with flights to the USA, Asia and Australia hubbing at Vienna (although the route to Australia will be discontinued before the end of the year unfortunately - meaning no continental European airlines will now fly to Australia).
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The new seats look like being one of the best angled lie flat products around - but again, why bother upgrading to angled lie flat seats when the world's leading airlines are moving to fully lie flat in business class? Similarly, it has two entertainment systems- the Airbus A340s and A330s have an on demand system, while the Boeing 777s and 767s have a looped multichannel system. However, on the bright side Austrian has an excellent reputation for in flight food, claiming six courses in business class. As a part of the experience that is often neglected, Austrian does deserve credit for putting effort into catering.
Labels: Star Alliance
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Singapore Airlines announces major upgrade
Well, not to be outdone by Cathay Pacific and concerned it has slipped behind the likes of Virgin Atlantic (49% owned by Singapore Airlines), BA and others in business class (the Singapore Airlines business class Spacebed is an angled lie-flat seat), Singapore Airlines (without question the leading airline in quality in the Star Alliance) has announced significant improvements to all three classes which will be launched with its first new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in December.
Singapore Airlines was meant to launch the new products as the first airline with the new Airbus A380, but that has been delayed until next year (and apparently is a further improvement on what is below). All new long-haul Singapore Airlines aircraft will have this product, and it is expected that some of the new 777s will be on routes to and from Australia and NZ. I expect within the next year Singapore Airlines will have this new product on all routes that compete with BA, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa.
The biggest improvement is in Business Class (above), (no longer Raffles Class), with what is definitely the widest and longest horizontal lie-flat seats in business class ever. The proof will be in the testing, but this looks like quite possible the best business class seat in the world. The seat is 30 inches wide. There is an 15 inch AVOD screen, with 2 USB ports and essentially equipped with a miniPC (with what appears to be an "office suite" of software). The idea being you don't need to take a laptop on board, just a USB stick. Hmmmm fine until you get to the other end! Other details like luggage storage within your seat space, duvet in addition to pillow/blanket. The entertainment system has over 500 CDs and is a further step up from the already excellent Krisworld.
First Class gets a wider longer suite as well. 35 inches wide, it's easily the width of a single bed, with a 23 inch entertainment screen (and the same software/USB ports as the business class seat). This is more a larger version of what Singapore Airlines has now, than a revolutionary step forward, unlike Cathay Pacific which has essentially chosen a bed with an adjacent seat. Nevertheless, both airlines have reputations for impeccable first class service - so the battle is on - only Emirates is a rival in First, and that is the only class Emirates comes close to being competitive in.
Economy Class has also had a spruce up, with seat redesigned to create a little more legroom, a few little compartments for glasses and personal items. A new 10 inch screen, power supply at every seat and, yes, the screen also has a mini-PC with a USB port and "office" software. So a level of computing power at every seat! Nobody can beat that, yet. Blankets and a renewed menu (for all classes) mean Singapore Airlines has evolved economy class, rather than made a big leap forward. It has 32" seat pitch, which is nothing special (Singapore Airlines has bigger seat pitch on its current 777s). Cathay's new seats are a far bigger leap forward.
So there you go, Singapore Airlines has lifted the bar. Easily the best Business Class, excellent First Class and highly competitive Economy Class. Time for the rest of the Star Alliance to look to catch up, and I'm looking especially at United - which remains two generations behind.
Labels: Major airlines, Star Alliance
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Cathay Pacific launches major product upgrade
Cathay Pacific (One World) has announced a significant upgrade of all three classes as of next year. As an airline that pretty much deserves its five star Skytrax ranking, it is excellent news that it is now moving to be ahead of the game once more with new seats that, at the very least, put it on a par with the best available today.
In First Class (pictured) it is taking a step beyond all other airlines. More space, with a private closet, 17" screen with AVOD. With a longer wider lie flat bed seat, there is a separate side seat so passengers can choose to be seated or lie in a bed. Cathay has always been rated as having one of the best first classes and will be maintaining that status with this new product.
In Business Class, Cathay Pacific, after only introducing angled lie flat seats four years ago has made the jump to horizontal lie flat beds - similar to Air New Zealand. With BA, Virgin
Atlantic, South African Airways, Air NZ, Iberia, LAN Chile and now Cathay going horizontal, it is clear that this IS the new standard. Cathay has essentially bought seats similar to Air NZ's new Business Premier class, except unlike Air NZ/Virgin Atlantic the seat does NOT flip over for a mattress side, but reclines fully flat with one surface. With Air NZ and Virgin Atlantic having similar seats between London and Hong Kong, and BA with its own fully lie flat product, the differences between seating for the airlines are small - it will be more about service. In addition, a 15" monitor has been installed with full AVOD.Economy Class does not go untouched, in fact Cathay can be said to have led the way now with its new economy class seats. It needs it, it only gets a 3 star ranking with Skytrax overall in economy mainly because of the seating and catering. The seats recline within a shell, so you no longer have economy class seats reclining back into the row behind. This means more room and no complaints when you do recline. The seat pocket is now below the seat so there is a bit more room. In essence Cathay has taken a seat which does the most with the limited space in economy. I'd like to know if Cathay still uses the 32" seat pitch, which frankly is only a suitable standard for regional international routes, not long haul. Nevertheless, this is a step forward that is world leading, with a 9" monitor and AVOD - this gives Cathay one of the best economy class seats in the world. The only question is whether with the seat bottom sliding forward during recline that this costs you legroom (although removal of the seat pocket partly compensates). It will be interesting to see what passengers think.
All of this puts Cathay Pacific undoubtedly at the top of OneWorld alliance in terms of quality, and gives something for BA and Qantas especially to aspire to (Qantas in particular is lacklustre in economy and first class).
Labels: Major airlines, One World
bmi upgrades business class - to remain below BA and Virgin Atlantic
bmi, the Star Alliance carrier of the UK, which primarily is a low-cost carrier around Europe, also provides long haul services to North America and the Middle East. It has a 3 star Skytrax ranking, and deserves it. Its long haul business class has 4 stars and has a good reputation for service, but still has the reclining "cradle" seats that were the standard of the late 1990s - the type that is still standard on most US airlines and on regional business class in Asia/Australasia.
By June 2007 it will have new business class seats on its Airbus A330 aircraft with 80" seat pitch (bmi has no first class), which is generous (similar to first class on other airlines). The seats are angled lie flat seats very similar to the current Singapore Airlines Spacebed. It is about time, but with BA and Virgin Atlantic both having had horizontal lie flat seats in business class for some years - bmi is still behind the ball. It's an improvement and Star Alliance frequent flyers will welcome it - but given that Cathay Pacific has just announced new business class seats that REPLACE seats like this, bmi is a generation behind.
Labels: Star Alliance, UK aviation
Delta Airlines becomes first US carrier to introduce lie flat beds in business
Finally!! Northwest was first with angled lie flat business class a couple of years ago, American announced a few months ago it would do the same. United and Continental still have long haul international business class seats that are two generations behind airlines like BA, Virgin Atlantic, Air NZ, Iberia and soon Cathay Pacific. Delta (in the Skyteam alliance) has leap frogged the angled lie flat design and gone for gold - and is acquiring similar seats to Virgin Atlantic, Air NZ and Cathay with horizontal lie flat angled business class seats.
Starting with its brand new Boeing 777LRs, they will also be installed on the rest of the international 777 fleet with full conversion achieved by 2010. Delta, while ranked 3 star overall (like other US airlines), is ranked 4 stars in international business class and has aimed to upgrade service and catering.
So kudos to Delta for making the leap, it could well have a business class of world standard next year and be outside the reputation that international business class travellers hold "all US airlines are crap".
It also helps to lift the standards of the Skyteam Alliance, which frankly is the poor cousin in quality terms among the three main airline alliances.Labels: Major airlines, Skyteam
Thursday, July 27, 2006
LAN introduces flat beds in business and new economy class
LAN – OneWorld – Chile
LAN of Chile has started introduced a new Premium Business Class product on its Boeing 767-300 fleet that operate long haul flights to North America and within South America.
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“ This will incorporate the new full-flat, 180-degree recline seats, which are only available from a select group of airlines in the world, offering passengers greater comfort for sleeping in a completely full-flat horizontal position. Down comforters and soft pillows create a true bed experience, and dividing panels between seats offer maximum privacy during the flight.”
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Interiors and inflight entertainment have also been upgraded:
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“The inflight entertainment also reaches a superior level with larger 15.4-inch individual video monitors that offer high definition and widescreen, and an updated audio-visual content with an audio and video on demand system that allows passengers to choose from eight films and 20 short programs with the ability to fast-forward, rewind or pause selected films. In addition, there are 14 interactive video games and a true musical library with 100 CDs to choose from and enjoy with quality digital sound from the latest generation in advanced noise-canceling headsets that notably reduce the external noises of the cabin, producing a pleasant sensation of privacy.The aircraft interior has also been modified, offering a larger space and improved lighting. Other elements of the new service, including such items as dishes, glasses and serving trays, among others, have been redesigned with the new modern and elegant style consistent with the new Premium Business service.”
LAN of Chile has started introduced a new Premium Business Class product on its Boeing 767-300 fleet that operate long haul flights to North America and within South America.
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“ This will incorporate the new full-flat, 180-degree recline seats, which are only available from a select group of airlines in the world, offering passengers greater comfort for sleeping in a completely full-flat horizontal position. Down comforters and soft pillows create a true bed experience, and dividing panels between seats offer maximum privacy during the flight.”
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Interiors and inflight entertainment have also been upgraded:
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“The inflight entertainment also reaches a superior level with larger 15.4-inch individual video monitors that offer high definition and widescreen, and an updated audio-visual content with an audio and video on demand system that allows passengers to choose from eight films and 20 short programs with the ability to fast-forward, rewind or pause selected films. In addition, there are 14 interactive video games and a true musical library with 100 CDs to choose from and enjoy with quality digital sound from the latest generation in advanced noise-canceling headsets that notably reduce the external noises of the cabin, producing a pleasant sensation of privacy.The aircraft interior has also been modified, offering a larger space and improved lighting. Other elements of the new service, including such items as dishes, glasses and serving trays, among others, have been redesigned with the new modern and elegant style consistent with the new Premium Business service.”
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All in all, this should lift LAN’s Business Class product above that of all current carriers in North and South America. It is great to see another airline introducing truly lie flat seats in business, not angled flat seats like others have been introducing. This does mean LAN is leaping ahead of most of its competition. Hopefully it will justify a rating increase from 3 stars soon.
All in all, this should lift LAN’s Business Class product above that of all current carriers in North and South America. It is great to see another airline introducing truly lie flat seats in business, not angled flat seats like others have been introducing. This does mean LAN is leaping ahead of most of its competition. Hopefully it will justify a rating increase from 3 stars soon.
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Economy Class is also being upgraded with new seats and seatback video screens:
Economy Class is also being upgraded with new seats and seatback video screens:
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“This transformation of the Boeing 767-300 fleet also includes improvements in economy class with the objective of making a more pleasant travel experience. It includes new seats with larger individual video monitors with high definition and widescreen in each seatback. Passengers are now able to directly choose from various audio and video on demand programming options using an easy touch screen menu or remote control. The new economy seats also have an increased recline with forward-sliding cushions that offer a greater sense of comfort. Adjustable headrests, as well as increased space for personal carry-on items and cup holders at each seat, and new dishes, carpeting and other items such as pillows and blankets are also available.”
“This transformation of the Boeing 767-300 fleet also includes improvements in economy class with the objective of making a more pleasant travel experience. It includes new seats with larger individual video monitors with high definition and widescreen in each seatback. Passengers are now able to directly choose from various audio and video on demand programming options using an easy touch screen menu or remote control. The new economy seats also have an increased recline with forward-sliding cushions that offer a greater sense of comfort. Adjustable headrests, as well as increased space for personal carry-on items and cup holders at each seat, and new dishes, carpeting and other items such as pillows and blankets are also available.”
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Hopefully, LAN will extend this to other long haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A340s for flights to New Zealand/Australia and Madrid. Nevertheless, LAN has definitely positioned itself as the premier South American airline, and this indicates that it is shifting from having a first and business class, to having a more upmarket business class for premier travellers.
Hopefully, LAN will extend this to other long haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A340s for flights to New Zealand/Australia and Madrid. Nevertheless, LAN has definitely positioned itself as the premier South American airline, and this indicates that it is shifting from having a first and business class, to having a more upmarket business class for premier travellers.
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More details here
and an interactive display of the new business and economy classes is here.
Labels: One World
Iberia upgrades European and domestic fleet interiors
Iberia - OneWorld - Spain
Iberia has already ordered 79 new Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft to modernise its European and domestic services, and will be refurbishing its remaining short to medium haul Airbuses. The upgrade is described below:
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“An array of grey hues is used for carpeting, curtains, and seats, which are upholstered in leather of the highest quality for maximum comfort, and doubles-stitched into rounded forms. The seat frames are also of new design, and will both enhance comfort and optimise the use of cabin space. The seat backs are more curved and lighter, and are more distant from the knees of the passengers in the row behind. The magazine pouch is positioned high on the seat backs, and there is additional free space under the seats, allowing the passengers behind to extend their legs. "
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“An array of grey hues is used for carpeting, curtains, and seats, which are upholstered in leather of the highest quality for maximum comfort, and doubles-stitched into rounded forms. The seat frames are also of new design, and will both enhance comfort and optimise the use of cabin space. The seat backs are more curved and lighter, and are more distant from the knees of the passengers in the row behind. The magazine pouch is positioned high on the seat backs, and there is additional free space under the seats, allowing the passengers behind to extend their legs. "
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Iberia’s reputation in economy class is not good, and it is ranked as a 3 star airline by Skytrax. This, along with an upgrade of food on sale for European/domestic flights should improve its reputation.
Iberia’s reputation in economy class is not good, and it is ranked as a 3 star airline by Skytrax. This, along with an upgrade of food on sale for European/domestic flights should improve its reputation.
Labels: Major airlines, One World
Finnair upgrades long haul business class to angled lie flat seats
Finnair - OneWorld - Finland
Finnair has announced that it has installed new angled lie-flat business class seats on all of its long haul aircraft (Boeing MD-11s and Airbus A340s) . Finnair reports:
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With the lie-flat seats, the space between seats will increase from the current 127 cm/50 in. to 160 cm/63 in. – the most comfortable seat in its class. The new seats provide more privacy for rest and work. Passengers can stretch out and lie flat – even if they are 2 metres/6 foot 7 in. tall.
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The seats look, with privacy screens and the rest, to be just like most other angled lie-flat seats being installed by other major European airlines, like Lufthansa and Scandinavian. It stops Finnair slipping behind, and at least the guarantee that all long haul flights will now have the new seats is positive.
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With the lie-flat seats, the space between seats will increase from the current 127 cm/50 in. to 160 cm/63 in. – the most comfortable seat in its class. The new seats provide more privacy for rest and work. Passengers can stretch out and lie flat – even if they are 2 metres/6 foot 7 in. tall.
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The seats look, with privacy screens and the rest, to be just like most other angled lie-flat seats being installed by other major European airlines, like Lufthansa and Scandinavian. It stops Finnair slipping behind, and at least the guarantee that all long haul flights will now have the new seats is positive.
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This finally brings Finnair up to international standards and has been matched by an increase in traffic. It has a 3 star Skytrax rating overall, including for long haul business class. This ought to make a difference to an airline that appears to be trying to bring its standards up to par with most of its competitors.
Labels: One World
