However, over the past few years, high -class airlines have begun to reinvest in first grade, assuming that a miniature but influential elite travelers market was ignored. The first class availability globally decreased to about 1 percent of all places, according to the Aviation Analytics Company Cirium, but the airlines that still offer them make their cabins more exclusive than ever. Air France, Qatar and Emirates have launched or planning to launch novel offers focusing on unmatched privacy, space and luxury. Think of a sea -fire service at the airport, private apartments with doors, unlimited caviar, and even a double bed for couples. The goal is not always direct profit, but the powerful awareness of the brand.
“Airlines say that they saw the growth of people who want to travel less but better,” says Rainisio, who last year held 155 flights, of them 80 percent in premium cabins. “If you want to fly in style and you can afford it, there are still many people ready to pay.” (Favorite first class of rainisio amenities comes from the Emirates; it has a souvenir of a golden mirror and luxurious skin care and body care products in Bulgari’s bag.)
This novel luxury standard goes far beyond the sets. In recent years, airlines have introduced private apartments with closing doors, shower on board and a multi -course menu created by chefs with Michelin star served on high quality vessels, such as William Edwards boards on British Airways. For example, Singapore Airlines has its own wine program, buying historic years in advance to see them specifically to serve at height. This is the only airline in the world pouring Cristal champagne in the first grade, and even runs a program from farm to plane to ensure the freshness of its ingredients.
“We have a team in Singapore Airlines, who looks after every aspect of customer experience,” says James Boyd, Vice President of Public Relations. “That’s all, from entertainment in flight to amenities, a program of food and drinks, a wine program-all, which tastes passenger, smells, touch, sleep, consumes and yes, is designed by this team and leave nothing.”
Ultimately, one of the main reasons why airlines focus so intensively on these accessories and conveniences is speed. Designing, building and delivering novel aircraft or modernization of an existing fleet with cabins worth many millions of dollars can take years. However, a novel set of amenities can be invented and introduced relatively quickly.
The value of these sets is both material and strategic. Some are estimated that they are worth over 100 USD, but their real power is in the buzz they form. A great set generates a positive press and “Check it out!” Posts on social media, while disappointing can lead to public complaints of devoted clients, says Rainisio, who Equipment sets on his website. (Emirates, Singapore and Ana are its three best first class sets.)
“I see many people sharing photos or comments about the product,” he says. “Even if you pay 15,000 euros or dollars for a ticket, you care about a set of equipment.”