KLM improves its business class

By BA Staff

KLM, the Royal Dutch Airline has upgraded its business class and now provides fully flat beds on its daily 747 flights from New Delhi to Amsterdam.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Yeshwant Pawar, General Manager South Asia said

“KLM continues to invest in customer comfort across the world as this has been our top most priority. The guiding principle to introduce fully flat beds is a step towards enhancing customer comfort and privacy as befits KLM. The new full-flat seat also plays an important role in helping to strengthen our position as a preferred airline in the Indian market.”

The new 180 degree horizontally reclining seats in the World Business Class are longer with 2.07 meters in length, wider with 63 inches in pitch. Every seat has an integrated 17 inch video monitor for in-flight entertainment. There is in-seat power and also storage compartments in the seat behind the passenger as well as under the television screen.

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KLM launches quiz contest to promote Business Class

By BA Staff

KLM has launched a quiz contest on their KLM India Facebook page that would give one winner a chance to win an all inclusive ticket to Amsterdam in their Business Class. The quiz contest is about answering five questions on the new KLM World Business Class.

KLM launched its fully flat beds on its international long-haul destination flights served by Boeing 747-400. The seat can be horizontally reclined at 180 degrees providing more legroom and no middle seat. Every seat is installed with a 17 inch screen video monitor for in-flight entertainment and storage compartments.

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Chef Linton Hopkins winner of "Cabin Pressure Cook-Off," new Delta chef

By BA Staff

Delta Air Lines and FOOD & WINE managzine announced that Chef Linton Hopkins is the winner of the "The Cabin Pressure Cook-Off," a culinary competition to find the next Delta chef.

Chef Hopkins will join the Delta culinary team to consult on BusinessElite menus for flights between Atlanta and Europe beginning in February.

Joanne Smith, Delta's senior vice president — In-Flight Service said:

"FOOD & WINE's Best New Chefs are some of the hardest working, most talented in the business, and we knew this competition would ultimately deliver delectable food to our customers. Chef Hopkins is a perfect addition to the Delta culinary team, which is already filled with some of the most well-known and respected names in the culinary business."

Chef Hopkins, of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch Public House in Atlanta, competed against three former FOOD & Wine Best New Chefs winners in a video series launched earlier this month, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of FOOD & WINE's Best New Chefs awards.

Chef Hopkins said:

"I am humbled and thankful to have won this opportunity to represent the values of excellence and quality which define both Delta and FOOD & WINE. I am looking forward to getting in to the kitchen with the Delta team to come up with menus that reflect both who I am as chef and the foods of our region."

Chef Hopkins' inflight menus will be reflective of the menus in his Atlanta restaurants, which are filled with artisan foods of the American South. Chef Hopkins' BusinessElite menus will feature bread from his H&F Bread Co. and source many ingredients from local suppliers including Belle chevre, regional cheeses from Blackberry Farm, Carolina Gold rice and grits, local charcuterie and pork, mountain trout, seasonal fruits and vegetables, Sweet Grass dairy and Wild American Shrimp. 

Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president - Marketing said:

"Through collaborations like this, we find innovative approaches to deliver a unique onboard experience for our customers. Our partnership with the culinary experts at FOOD & WINE magazine has been a perfect pairing."

Delta and FOOD & WINE devised three challenges for the chefs: transforming their signature dish into an in-flight appetizer; devising an entree that would withstand the onboard meal requirements of being cooked, chilled, and then, reheated; and making a variety of signature desserts.

Chef Hopkins was victorious in all three challenges and will join Michelle Bernstein, Michael Chiarello, Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group and Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as part of Delta's culinary team.


Earlier this year, Miami-based chef Michelle Bernstein's menus were launched on flights to Latin America, including a special menu for flights to Mexico City. California-based chef Michael Chiarello continues to develop menus for Delta's transcontinental BusinessElite service between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Those menus are paired with California-grown wines selected by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as part of the Delta Winemaker Series. Additionally, Chef Chiarello designed new menus with an Asian flair for Delta's West Coast flights to Japan.

This September, Delta launched a new West Coast Delta Shuttle service with hourly flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco which will include snacks from California-based Lyfe Kitchen.

In February, express meals from Blue Smoke — a part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group — will debut in BusinessElite on Delta's three daily flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and London-Heathrow.

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Delta to add more flights on New York JFK Los Angeles route with full flat-bed seats

by Devesh Agarwal

Delta Air Lines will debut three updated Boeing 757 aircraft on the transcontinental route between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport beginning July 1, 2014.

These will be the first 757 aircraft in service to feature Delta's previously announced upgrades which will include full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on transcon flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. All transcon flights on these routes will feature flat-bed seats by summer 2015.

The aircraft will include 16 full flat-bed seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration in the BusinessElite cabin. Each seat is 20 inches wide – expandable up to 22 inches – with an average bed length of 76 inches. Cabin mood lighting and high definition 16-inch video monitor at each seat will further improve the onboard experience.

The addition of flat-bed seats to the 757 transcon fleet will complement Delta's existing Boeing 767 transcon flights which already feature flat-bed seats for a total of eight daily flights on the route. Customers will enjoy a gourmet three-course menu from renowned chef Michael Chiarello paired with wine from Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson's specially curated Delta Winemaker Series, Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, a Tumi amenity kit featuring skincare products from Malin+Goetz, a noise-reduction headset, Starbucks coffee and sparkling wine round out the BusinessElite experience.

Delta Boeing 757 BusinessElite cabin

The 757s transcontinental fleet will add an Economy Comfort class with 44 extra-legroom seats offering 35 inches of pitch and 50 percent more recline in a 3-3 configuration. This is in addition to 108 standard economy seats.

All seats in the economy cabin will feature a slim-line design for more personal space, an adjustable headrest, a nine-inch video monitor and standard 110v and USB power ports available at every seat.

Delta has been enhancing the transcon experience from nose to tail throughout 2013 with the addition of products such as complimentary Starbucks coffee and headsets for all passengers. The entire transcon fleet will feature in-flight Wi-Fi and all upgraded aircraft will offer an entertainment library of more than 1,000 on-demand options. Additionally, the 757 fleet will feature 18 channels of live satellite TV.

New York passengers will depart and arrive at Delta's new Terminal 4 (see video below) and at Los Angeles it is Terminal 5 which is being overhauled with a $229 million investment in progress.

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Singapore Airlines debuts new 777 cabin products on Mumbai route for a limited time

by Devesh Agarwal

Singapore Airlines débuted its latest cabin products on its Boeing 777-300ER flying between Mumbai and Singapore for a limited time.

This is the latest cabin product of the premium airline which will be standard on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, but which is also fitted on eight of its new Boeing 777-300ERs, the latest of which was recently delivered to the carrier's fleet. This product was first unveiled on the London route.

See details and images of the new cabin product in our July story.

Nearly $150 million is being invested in the new products on the initial eight B777-300ERs. The aircraft feature the world’s most advanced in-flight entertainment system, with larger screens and touch-screen handsets, as well as more spacious and comfortable seats in First, Business and Economy classes.

The new products will be available on SQ 423/424 flights between Singapore and Mumbai on selected days of the week during the winter schedule which commenced from yesterday.

SQ 423 Mumbai – Singapore:
from October 28, 2013 till March 30, 2014 on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays
from October 31, 2013 till November 22, 2013 on Thursdays and Fridays
SQ424 Singapore - Mumbai:
from October 27, 2013 till March 29, 2014 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
from October 30, 2013 till November 21, 2013 on Wednesdays and Thursdays

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Trip report: Air France A330-200 business class Bangalore Paris Mumbai - new service attitude is producing results

by Devesh Agarwal

Until recently, like many others, I was under the opinion Air France was a stuffy airline, an uncaring crew, and one I was not likely to fly any time soon. Recently, I was a guest of Air France to attend the launch of their new "Best and Beyond" campaign in Paris, and had the opportunity to fly the airline in business class from Bangalore to Paris and back to Mumbai.

Blue and white are soothing colours in the calm oasis of the Air France business class on board the A330-200

I also flew the airline, on my own account, in economy class between Paris CDG and Amsterdam Schiphol.

Over the coming weeks, I shall review various aspects of the airline, including trip reports, the Paris Charles De Gaulle hub, the Salon lounges, and also the Best and Beyond campaign.

Trip Report

Today, we commence with the trip report Bangalore to Paris Charles De Gaulle. AF191. Scheduled departure 01:50. Actual departure 02:30 (40 minute delay). Scheduled arrival 08:35. Actual arrival 08:50. Aircraft Airbus A330-200 registration F-GZCE.

Click on the photos below to see a high resolution light-box view.

New attitude

A critical component, of the new "Best and Beyond" initiative, meant to bring passengers back to Air France, is staff attitude. The change is visible starting right from the kerbside. I found a porter with a SkyPriority plaque waiting when you arrive.

The SkyPriority service is offered to all premium class passengers from Premium Economy upwards, and to all SkyTeam elite members from Silver level on upwards. Other than the erstwhile Kingfisher, I have not seen any other airline offer a kerbside porter service in Bangalore. Even overseas, I have seen it offered only to first class passengers.

SkyPriority porter at Bangalore airport kerbside.

Check-in, lounge and boarding

Despite my many requests for him to help other passengers, the porter insisted, and whisked me in to the terminal, expediting the cumbersome passport check by the CISF. I was late, arriving at 1:05am for a scheduled 1:50am flight, but which was delayed to 2:30am. Check-in was smooth, quick and efficient. My boarding passes were issued, and my baggage checked, all the way to Amsterdam.

The SkyPriority lane at the check-in desks at Bengaluru International Airport.

Off I went, through immigration, on to the customs desk to declare all my camera equipment, and then through security, where I am required to take out each piece of camera equipment before scanning the bag, and where my cigarette lighter was seized, as it is not allowed. This is contradictory to my experiences at the security checks of 12 different airports in three continents I have been to in the last six months. But security checks at Indian airports are a whole different subject.

I barely had time to step inside the Oberoi run lounge at the Bengaluru International Airport, and I was thankful. The lounge is badly over-crowded, stuffy, hot, and poorly equipped to handle to the volume of premium passengers departing Bangalore. I am told that the new terminal expansion will solve this problem. Expect a separate article on this subject later.

Boarding was a smooth affair, and well managed.

Cabin product

You step in to a very calm and soothing cabin decked out in navy blue and white. Air France aircraft may have a reputation for being dirty looking on the outside, but the inside was spic and span. The smiles and welcome by the cabin crew, were genuine and warm.

Note: All the pictures below were shot, by me, in the natural light of the cabin. No flash was used

The business class has 40 seats in two sections, in a six abreast 2-2-2 layout. 61 inch pitch and 21.5 inch seat width. It features shell seats and unlike some of the other angled lay flat seats, has a good headrest which conforms to the rest of the seat when it reclines fully. The arm-rest goes down during the recline adding to the width. You will also find the lack of the bottom end of the leg-rest. Instead Air France provides a type of cubby-hole inside the seat-back which I found more comfortable than any of the lay-flat seats I have experienced till now. I am a notoriously poor sleeper on angle lay-flat seats, but I did manage about four hours in Air France, which is the longest. So the seats win my seal of approval.

Business class seats in the upright and fully reclined position

Unlike other premium economy cabins which are more of an upgraded economy class, on the Air France Airbus A330-200, the premium economy cabin almost identical to the business class cabin, with the exception of the one additional seat to give a seven abreast 2-3-2 layout. There are 21 seats in three rows. 38 inch seat pitch, 19 inch seat width. I was later informed that Air France is the only airline that uses the similar shell seats in its premium economy class.

The Premium Economy class with shell seating, exclusive to Air France

The economy class cabin is bright in the national colours of France, blue, red and white. The 147 seats are in the Airbus standard, eight abreast in a 2-4-2 configuration. 32 inch seat pitch, 18 inch seat width.

The national colours of France, blue, red and white, reflected in the economy class cabin

The trip, service, meals, in-flight entertainment

We departed at 2:30am, about 40 minutes past our scheduled departure. Trip time 10h15m. The flight route was from Bangalore, NNW, over Mumbai, turning WNW skirting the southern coast of Pakistan, turning NW entering Iran near Chabahar close to the Pakistan border, through Azerbaijan, over Tbilisi, Georgia, over Sevastopol in Southern Russia, Moldova, turn westerly, skirting northern Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, southern Czech Republic, Germany, in to France.

The flight was quite bumpy from take-off, so meal service was slightly delayed. The French are gastronomes and the meals reflect it. The fish I had was on of the better ones I have had anywhere, on board, or on ground. Deliciously prepared, cooked to creamy perfection, not rubbery at all.

Fish entree, supper, post take-off, Bangalore to Paris.

Bangalore to Paris, supper and breakfast menu

The wine list was unusual and offered decent wines, but are not a match to the cellars of Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, or even Lufthansa. Considering wine and France are inseparable, this is an area the airline has to improve on.

Air France business class wine list

The pre-arrival breakfast service was good. Nice breads, butter, preserves, and an espresso machine on-board for my double espressos kept me happy.

Breakfast service prior to arrival in Paris

Through the flight, the crew puts out a small buffet near the galley with fruits, cheeses, small sandwiches, nuts and chocolates for those wanting a small snack.

Through the flight the cabin crew service was good, attentive and responsive. While Air France still has a way to go before it catches up to the leaders Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, the change in attitude is refreshing, and service levels are close to its main European competitor Lufthansa. This is a crucial advance for Air France in its efforts to attract back lost passengers.

If there was a let down, it was the in-flight entertainment (IFE), audio video on-demand (AVOD) system. While the content was good, it was fairly limited, and the screens are not too big. The user interface, and its navigation is, clunky and tests your patience. For a passenger flying Air France long haul about two or three flights a month, it is okay, but more than that, and you will start feeling the pinch of the lack of volume in terms of content.

Paris Arrivals lounge

All Air France-KLM long haul international flights to and from Paris CDG airport are from terminal 2E on concourses K, L, M. The concourse names are no coincidence. Air France had ground staff stationed who patiently explained each enquiring passenger how to get to their respective flights. Another sign of the changed attitude at Air France.

A hidden gem of information, at Paris, is the Arrivals Salon Lounge of Air France. Tucked away at the junction of terminals 2C and 2A, this petite lounge is easy to miss. I must apologise to you, our dear readers, but the memory card of the pictures of this lounge got corrupted, and I have none to share with you at the moment. If I can revive the pictures in any way, I will surely share them.

If you are arriving in to Paris, or have a longish connection (two or more hours) to a Schengen country, this lounge is a must visit. It has a great set of shower facilities, with one of the most complicated shower temples I have seen. Multiple jets blasting hot water just soothe those tired muscles. The lounge provides a complete toilet kit with L'Occitane en Provence personal care products, including a razor and toothbrush.

Once showered, there is a great breakfast. Despite a small area, I found the breakfast spread better than the large Salon departure lounges in concourse K when I departed back to Mumbai. There is the usual fantastic French breads, along with butter, preserves, and charcuterie. Eggs, fruits, yoghurt, crackers, cheese, varieties of drinks complete the feast.

Paris Amsterdam Paris domestic flights

Showered and fed, I headed to terminal 2F from where all the Air France flights to Schengen countries depart. Very honestly, this one hour flight both onward to Amsterdam and return, was extremely routine, pretty much any other short-distance domestic flight. However, even on this short duration, the change in Air France attitude was noticeable.

Air France A320 cabin. The business class has the centre seat blocked off and marked with a navy blue head rest cover.

The arrival concourse of Terminal 2F is extremely futuristic with its metal and glass construction. Makes on feel like they are in some Sci-Fi movie.

The futuristic looking Terminal 2F arrivals at Paris Charles De Gaulle airport

Paris Mumbai flight

An almost carbon copy of the Bangalore Paris flight, except for a more elaborate lunch starting with an L'amuse-bouche, appetiser, main course, cheese tray, and dessert. Great for a foodie like me.

Paris to Mumbai lunch menu

The aircraft coincidentally was the same one I had flown from Bangalore to Paris, just five days earlier, Airbus A330-200 registration F-GZCE. We departed on schedule, and thanks to some fantastic tailwinds, made it to Bombay one hour ahead of schedule.

Summary

I flew Air France after a gap of almost 25 years. The business class is much like other European carriers, but with a much more calm and soothing touch, compared to the energy of Lufthansa's new business class. The change in crew attitude was refreshing, and it appears to be yielding results. There was only one seat free in business class, and none free in premium economy on my outbound flight. Even on the return to Mumbai, the flight had just one seat empty.

I was informed later, that AF191/192 the Paris Bangalore route goes full almost all days of the week in both business and premium economy classes. If anything, Air France has spare seats only in economy class. Considering it was a Thursday night I flew to Paris, and a Wednesday morning I returned to Mumbai, this shows the positive results of a good overall hard and soft product.

Note: I was a guest of Air France on the India to Paris segments. The Paris Amsterdam v.v. segments were on my account.

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Japan Airlines to launch Sky Suite on Tokyo Narita Vancouver route

by BA Staff

Japan Airlines will launch its upgraded cabin JAL Sky Suite II business class product on its revamped 767-300ER service between Tokyo (Narita) and Vancouver, from December 9, 2013.

The airline will also offer its Sky Wider improved economy class product on the same flight.

The Sky Suite II is a 24 seat business in a 1-2-1 configuration to offer direct aisle access to every passenger. The seat opens in to a full flat bed with a length of 200 cm and width of 52 cm. The TV screen is 15.4 inches, and each seat is equipped with a USB port and a universal AC power outlet.

The new Sky Wider economy class seats were initially tested in the airline's Boeing 777-300ERs. On the 767-300ERs 175 seats will be in a 2-3-2 abreast configuration. The new slim line seat offers increased pitch of 5 cm (2 inches) to 84 cm., a 10.6 inch touch sensitive TV screen, and each seat is equipped with a USB port and a universal AC power outlet.

The airline has also specially designated its 767s fitted with the Sky Suite product as SS6 in the time table.

After Vancouver, Kuala Lumpur will be the next destination, from January 2014, service by the revamped aircraft type. The airline also plans to expand this new service onto other long distance routes in South-east Asia and to Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

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PHOTOS: Star Alliance opens new lounge at Los Angeles International Airport

by BA Staff

The new joint Star Alliance lounge at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport opened its doors on 25th September. The new lounge, designed by global architectural firm Gensler, has more than 18,000 square feet of floor space, and an open air terrace offering panoramic views of the airport's northern runway looking towards the Hollywood Hills. In addition to the terrace, the lounge also offers a bar area, a library space, a den, a study, a media room, and eight shower rooms.

The lounge has space for around 400 passengers, including an exclusive area for passengers traveling in First Class. Access is provided for passengers traveling in Business or First Class, or for passengers with Star Alliance Gold frequent flyer status. The following are pictures of the new lounge:

Image Credit: Star Alliance

Image Credit: Star Alliance

Image Credit: Star Alliance

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Emirates announces new service to Boston

by Vinay Bhaskara

Image Credit: Devesh Agarwal ~ Bangalore Aviation

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates has continued its rapid expansion into the North American market by announcing the commencement of daily nonstop services between its global hub at Dubai and Boston to commence from 10th March, 2014. The new flights will be served using Emirates' Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, seating 266 passengers in a three class configuration (8F / 42J / 216Y). Flight schedules for the new route are as follow:

Route	Depart	Arrive	Frequency
DXB-BOS	0945	1515	Daily
BOS-DXB	2255	1910	Daily

Boston becomes Emirates' eighth US destination after New York JFK, Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington Dulles, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The airline has announced a plan to more than double the number of routes it serves in the United States over the next three to five years to 15 routes. In October, they will launch a third daily service to New York JFK via Milan's Malpensa International Airport.

As with many of Emirates' North American services, the new route will draw heavily on origin and destination traffic to and from the Indian subcontinent. Nearly 200 daily passengers traveled between Boston and India in each direction in 2011, much of it high-yielding business traffic in the information technology (IT) sector). And for Emirates, India represents nearly 12% of its network traffic.

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Air India's Boeing 787 promotional video

by Devesh Agarwal

Through non-official channels a promotional video by Air India of their new Boeing 787. Now that the airline has a new toy to play with, all the 777s procured just a few years ago lie forgotten and rotting on the tarmac. Read my op-ed piece here. You can also see our cabin walk-though pictures and video here.

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American Airline's new transcontinental A321s feature full lie flat seats in premium classes

by BA Staff

Dallas-Fort Worth based American Airlines will soon become the first airline to utilise an Airbus A321 aircraft outfitted with a three-class cabin, including full lie-flat seats in business and first class when it receives Sharklets equipped A321ceo (current engine option) jetliners later this year

American Airlines new Airbus A321, first class. Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

In addition to the upgraded seat offerings in first and business class, passengers throughout the cabin will experience full Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as in-flight entertainment (IFE), 110v universal AC power outlets and USB jacks at every seat. For the first time on an A321, the interior also contains four full-service galleys.

American Airlines new Airbus A321, business class. Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

American Airlines plans to begin operations in early 2014 with this new aircraft, starting with the 2,500-mile route between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and later adding additional service on the nearly 2,600 mile JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) route.

American Airlines new Airbus A321, economy class. Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

Earlier in July this year, American Airlines took delivery of its first A320 Family aircraft – a Sharklet equipped A319 – as part of the carrier’s fleet renewal plan.

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Malaysia Airlines posts operating profit in Q2 2013

by Vinay Bhaskara

Newly minted oneworld alliance member Malaysia Airlines saw progress in Q2 2013 in its corporate turnaround plan as the carrier swung to a RM (Malaysian Ringgit) 8 million (US $2.4 million) operating profit from an operating loss of RM 102 million (US $31.0 million) during the same period a year prior.

The performance was buoyed by 14% revenue growth on a 19% increase in capacity. Traffic grew 29% pushing seat load factors to a 10 year high of 80%. Q2 marked the fourth consecutive quarter of positive cash-flow from operations and Group cash balance improved to RM 5.4 billion (US $1.64 billion).

Net losses for Q2 were reduced 50% to RM 176 million ($53.5 million) as the carrier increased productivity and controlled costs; especially fuel expense, which fell 7.5% year-over-year. For the first half of 2013, operating loss was RM 157 million (US $47.7 million) and net loss was RM 455 million (US $138.3 million - down from RM 409 million [US $124.4 million] and RM 521 million [US $158.3 million] respectively).

Said Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya:

With the encouraging performance at the revenue generation level, we can now focus on implementing more structural improvements, including enhancing our administration and support services. We will continue to improve operational effectiveness such as continued improvement in our On Time Performance, turn times on our aircraft, better engineering service turnaround, reducing service disruptions, precise material and inventory management, and much more which will further contribute to the bottom-line in the future.

Quarters three and four are traditionally the strongest for Malaysia Airlines, and the carrier has made its first Q2 operating profit in several years. The carrier still hopes to reach net profitability by the end of 2014 and claims that it is on track to meet that metric. Having taken delivery of 6 A380s, 7 A330s, and 8 Boeing 737-800s over the past 12 months, passengers carried grew to 4.2 million passengers.

Premium cabin demand received a boost on the introduction of the 494-seat Airbus A380, with premium cabin (First and Business) demand up 36% year-over-year on a 17% increase in capacity. The A380 has already been deployed to London, Paris, and Hong Kong from Malaysia Airlines' hub at Kuala Lampur.

Malaysia Airlines is one the largest overseas carriers in India, and is slated to launch services to Kochi in September

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Qatar Airways confirms Dreamliner debut in India

by Vinay Bhaskara

Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner - Image Credit: Qatar Airways

MEB3 carrier Qatar Airways has provided confirmation of the plans to bring its Boeing 787 Dreamliner to India via the Doha-Delhi and Doha-Bangalore sectors from September 1st. Bangalore Aviation had previously reported on the new aircraft placement via a report from Airline Route.

Qatar Airways Dreamliners are configured with 254 seats with 22 flatbed business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 232 economy class seats in a tight 9-abreast 3-3-3 configuration. Both routes are served daily as red-eyes. Qatar Airways becomes the second carrier from the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) to operate the 787 to India after Star Alliance member Ethiopian Airlines.

Qatar Airways' introduction of the Dreamliner is a smart strategic move in advance of the massive expansion of fellow MEB3 carrier Etihad's Indian operation via the yet to be approved Jetihad partnership.

Find more details in the press release below.

19th August 2013

QATAR AIRWAYS’ DREAMLINER DEBUTS IN INDIA

Airline Introduces the 787 Dreamliner service on Delhi and Bangalore routes

19th August 2013

Mumbai, INDIA – Qatar Airways has announced plans to extend its Boeing 787 Dreamliner route network to India with the launch of services to and from Delhi and Bangalore starting September 01, 2013. The introduction of the state-of-the-art Dreamliner service promises the airlines’ passengers with an unparalleled level of service, comfort and travel experience.

Commenting on the occasion, Henry Moses, Qatar Airways Country Manager, India, said “In line with our commitment to offer our passengers the most exceptional travel experience, we are delighted to introduce Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner on two of our important Indian routes. The introduction of our Dreamliner service provides our passengers with an unbeatable level of service and comfort besides reiterating our firm belief in the 787s unrivalled capabilities and the value it will add to Qatar Airways’ plans to continue delivering on its promise of quality.”

“Our 787s provide a game-changing experience with specially designed interiors, spacious cabins and custom-made seats in both Business and Economy Class. We are confident that our patrons flying to and from Delhi and Bangalore routes will luxuriate in the enhanced travel experience on-board the Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner,” Moses added.

Qatar Airways has 254 custom-made seats across its 787 Business and Economy Class cabins with specially designed interiors. Business Class is configured 1–2–1 with 22 seats, while Economy has a 232 seating capacity in a 3–3–3 layout. All seats in Business Class are fully reclinable.

The airline’s 787s are the world’s first fully connected Dreamliners with wireless facilities for passengers to remain in touch with friends and colleagues on the ground through the internet and SMS mobile texting across both Business and Economy cabins. The 787 Dreamliners complement the ultra-luxurious customer service and experience Qatar Airways promises to its passengers.

India remains to be a key market for Qatar Airways having an extensive route network offering 95 passenger flights non-stop each week from 12 gateway cities to Doha. Currently, Indian operations cover daily services to Doha from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Chennai and Bangalore, together with 11-flights-a-week from Cochin and double daily flights from Delhi.

Flights from India connect via Doha to popular cities in Qatar Airways’ global network including London, New York, Montreal, Washington, Dubai, Nairobi, Paris, Frankfurt and Oslo.

Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar has taken delivery of eight of its 60 Dreamliners and has been flying the aircraft from Doha to Dubai, London, Munich, Stockholm, Riyadh, Jeddah, Zurich and Frankfurt. The airline will also be flying the Dreamliner to Oslo and Copenhagen from September.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 129 aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations worldwide.

Qatar Airways has so far launched six destinations this year – Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Chicago (USA), Salalah (Oman) and Basra (Iraq).  Over the next few weeks and months, the network will grow further with Sulaymaniyah, Iraq (August 20), Chengdu, China (September 3) and the newly-announced routes of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (September 18), Clark International Airport, Philippines (October 28) and Philadelphia, USA (2 April 2014).

QATAR AIRWAYS’ BOEING 787 INDIAN ROUTES SCHEDULES

Delhi

DOHA – DELHI (Daily)
Depart Doha on QR232 at 2100hrs, arrive in Delhi at 0325hrs (next day)

DELHI – DOHA (Daily)
Depart Delhi on QR233 at 0450hrs, arrive in Doha at 0630hrs

Bangalore

DOHA – BANGALORE (Daily)
Depart Doha on QR226 at 2020hrs, arrive in Bangalore at 0310hrs (next day)

BANGALORE – DOHA (Daily)
Depart Bangalore on QR227 at 0440hrs, arrive in Doha at 0625hrs

Read more »

Images: Singapore Airlines unveils new cabin product for its Airbus A350XWB and Panasonic eX3 IFE for 777

Small portion of existing Boeing 777-300ER (77W) fleet also to be refitted.

by Devesh Agarwal

National carrier Singapore Airlines unveiled its next generation of cabin products, which will be deployed on its Airbus A350 XWB aircraft which recently celebrated its first flight on June 14th, and is due to enter service in late 2014.

The airline will also initially introduce the new cabin products, progressively, on eight Boeing 777-300ER (B77W) aircraft, at a cost of US$ 150 million. The airline has 19 B77W in its fleet and another eight on order. It is not clear if the airline will retrofit existing 77Ws or introduce the new cabin on the new aircraft. The airline's total fleet is 102 aircraft comprising of A380s, Boeing 777-200ERs, 777-300s, 777-300ERs, A340-500s, and A330-300s.

The first passengers to experience the new cabin will be on the 777-300ER service between Singapore and London Heathrow starting from September.

The airline has worked for more than two years with world-renowned design firms to develop the new products. BMW Group DesignworksUSA assisted with the development of the new First Class, James Park Associates assisted with Business Class and Massive Interactive with the in-flight entertainment system interface.

The new in-flight entertainment (IFE) audio-video on demand (AVOD) system

The new Krisworld IFE system is uses the new Panasonic eX3 system which the airline will be the launch customer of on the A350 XWB and is the first to offer on the 77Ws.

The new KrisWorld features larger LCD screens and video touch-screen handsets across all classes. LCD screens will increase from 23 to 24 inches in First Class, 15.4 to 18 inches in Business Class and 10.6 to 11.1 inches in Economy Class. Economy Class customers will also be able to browse through the more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options by swiping or scrolling through the touch-screen monitor, while first and business will have touch-screen handsets.

Passengers will be able to multi-task among the varied entertainment options available. For example, they may watch a movie, while at the same time use the handset to keep up to date with the latest news headlines or track the aircraft’s flight path. Alternatively, customers may use the handset as a touchscreen trackpad to navigate KrisWorld. New features such as “Quick Search”, where a flick of the handset pulls up a playlist of entertainment choices, are also being introduced.

The new 'Notification Centre' on the KrisWorld dashboard contains information relevant to the flight, reducing the number of on-board announcements, allowing uninterrupted viewing of video programs. Passengers will also experience greater personalisation, with KrisWorld providing content recommendations based on passengers’ preferences. They may also rate movies and see how others have rated these.

First Class

Singapore Airlines' new First Class seat features a new fixed-back shell design with curved side panels to provide a clear demarcation of personal space, for added privacy. At 35 inches in width and with an increased bed length from 80 to 82 inches, it is one of the most spacious First Class products in the sky. An ergonomically sculpted cushion and improved adjustable headrest have been introduced for greater seating comfort, while new features such as a padded headboard for extra support and an additional mattress layer ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable rest.

Little but important features have been added. For example, the seat now boasts a stylish passenger control unit that includes a new switch to provide passengers easier access to turn off their in-flight entertainment monitor, and for cabin crew to do so without disturbing passengers when they are resting. New lighting was developed after extensive scientific research. In addition to reading lights, the seat features ambient lighting, which not only accentuates the seat design but also serves as a night light in a dimmed cabin. The seat features an all-in-one panel including in-seat power supply, USB port, eXport and HDMI ports allowing passengers to view content from personal media devices.

Business Class

Singapore Airlines retains its leadership in this class with its 1-2-1 configuration which rivals the first class of most airlines. The new Business Class seat offers greater recline at 132 degrees and features an improved ergonomic seat cushion. When converted, it becomes the industry's widest full-flat bed, at 78 inches in length. In addition, the new seat offers two new seating positions - 'Lazy Z' and 'Sundeck' based on in-depth research and feedback from passengers. The seat offers increased stowage space, with an amenity stowage area on the side console and a laptop stowage area. The lighting, LCD monitor on/off switch, and all-in-one panel from the first class cabin is added.

Economy Class

From photographs, it appears Singapore Airlines has retained its 3-3-3 configuration which offers the widest economy class seat in the world. The new seats are of a 'slimline' type which provides a feeling of increased personal space and legroom. Each seat comes with new backrest seat cushions with side bolsters for better back support and an ergonomically sculpted headrest cushion offering better neck support.

The IFE is on a 11.1-inch touch screen accompanied by a video touch-screen handset.

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Airport lounge report: Iberia Dali business class lounge at Madrid Barajas Terminal 4

Guest post by Vishal Mehra
@vishal1mehra

During my trip from Barcelona to Lisbon via Madrid (read trip report here), I had intentionally chosen a long layover at Barajas airport as I wanted to both see the famous wavy ceilings which created quite a ripple (yes, the pun is intentional) when the airport opened in 2006, and I also wanted to explore the Iberia lounge at its home base.

As I got done with my little terminal tour and purchasing the customary refrigerator magnet from the duty free store, I proceeded to Iberia’s business class Dali lounge in Terminal 4.

Considering Madrid is the home base for Iberia, my expectations of the lounges in Madrid being superior and larger that those in Barcelona were fulfilled. The lounge was huge, as well as very impressive to say the least.

Divided into 2 areas, it had large areas of comfortable seating which was soothing for the eyes to see and invited me to sink my tired muscles into and relax. The central area shown above had a spacecraft design to it, with little chairs, and fountains inside it along with a wide selection of reading material, though again it was dominated by Spanish selections.

After relaxing for few minutes, I grabbed myself a beer and started exploring the lounge. There were reasonable options for food, including salads, pasta, sandwiches, wraps and sushi rolls. I would have ideally liked to see more hot food options as well but as this lounge serves the Schengen area flights with usually small layovers, it appears Iberia decided to serve more "to-go" options. There is a large choice area of alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and a café.

Besides your typical coffee machine, the lounge served various pastries, croissants, cornflakes, milk and tea options. The lounge also had a fancier coffee machine, though I must admit I did not try it all.

Something rather unique in this lounge was this dedicated wine bar which serves a wide variety of wines. This bar, I was informed, also hosts regular tasting sessions, but to my loss, there was no such session during my transit. I was still able to lay my hands on couple of reds.

The Dali lounge also features a dedicated quiet area in the back that had little beds for passengers opting to take a quick nap between their flights. Given the long days and hectic schedules of business passengers, who comprise the largest share of premium passengers, it would behove other airlines to incorporate a similar feature in their lounge offerings.

The business area had the obligatory few computers, internet access, a printer and a fax machine. Iberia though has to remove one very irritating feature. The wireless internet was accessible only through 30 minute cards which, though the front desk gave with a smile, is disruptive to a business passenger. By the time I went for my third card, the staff on duty graciously offered to give me an extra one to save me the trouble of coming back. I had to decline her offer as my flight to Lisbon was due to depart soon.

Though the TV lounge was largely unoccupied, barring one keen viewer. Again considering this lounge mostly serves intra-European flights, the lounge shows the extent to which Iberia has gone to make this lounge a pleasant experience for the many needs and interests of the passengers it would carry.

Overall, It was a very enjoyable experience at the lounge, and clearly one of the best that Iberia has to offer to its passengers. Iberia may be in deep financial mess it appears they have not spared any expense in making this lounge a comfortable experience for the premium traveller.

I must admit thoroughly relishing myself during these six odd total hours with Iberia minus few niggles. These six hours compromised of two lounge visits, in Madrid and Barcelona each (read Barcelona lounge report here), as well as two flights on Iberia’s A320, from Barcelona to Madrid and then from Madrid to Lisbon. All of this cost me 9000 avios and Rs. 5771. It's a price I would pay happily for so many firsts every single time.

- Vishal Mehra is a digital marketer at a global agency, smitten by travelling and commercial aviation. He tweets a lot and off late has taken to blogging as well. Visit his blog.

All images in this article are the copyright of Vishal Mehra and used with his permission. Unauthorised use and/or reproduction is prohibited.

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Trip report: Iberia domestic business class Barcelona Madrid Lisbon

by Vishal Mehra

Last week, I reviewed Iberia’s domestic Business Lounge in Barcelona.

Today, I focus on my first flight with Iberia from Barcelona to Lisbon, via Madrid. This was also my first flight in business class.

Barcelona El Prat - Madrid Barajas
Flight IB2713. Airbus A320. Seat 5F. Business Class
Departure - 18:50, on-time

For intra-Europe and many north African flight, most European airlines don't have a separate cabin for business class passengers. Instead, they use a mobile curtain that is moved after each flight in order to separate both according to the number of passengers flying business class in each flight. This allows airlines to be more flexible, since an Economy class seat can be converted into a business class seat just by moving the curtain.

My Iberia business class seat was essentially an upgraded economy seat with increased seat pitch (34 inches, instead of 31 in economy) and an empty middle seat for increased comfort.

As I settled into my seat I was offered water and something to munch on, while the cabin was getting ready for departure to Madrid. Our departure was smooth, and looking down at Barcelona I saw the beauty of the city once more albeit with an aerial view, bathed in sunshine.

Soon after reaching cruising height, a purser came over and asked for my choice of drink. As this was a short one hour flight, and it was early evening, there was no specific meal service. I must have waited for fifteen minutes for my apple juice to arrive before drifting off for a short nap.

I woke up while we were on our landing approach to Madrid Barajas and I never got my drink, and considering we were on approach, I did not bother reminding the crew of their slip-up. Humans tend to forget things and considering it was my first ever outing in semi business class, I was in good enough humour to forgive as well, but Iberia should take note of such slip-ups, which while minor, have large impact on passenger impression when they occur in the premium cabin.

Looking through the magazine I chanced upon Iberia giving out Pizza at 36000 feet to its passengers, which I thought was pretty unique.

We landed in Madrid on time, disembarkation was quick and I went to explore the airport's famous wavy-roof terminal and the flagship Iberia lounge.

Madrid Barajas – Lisbon Portela International
Flight IB3118. Airbus A320. Seat 1A. Business Class
Departure 2245, on-time
Seat 1A

I was excited about sitting in seat 1A, that magical number in airline seating wanted by enthusiasts, which was automatically allotted to me by Iberia. Business class was the same upgraded economy class with increased leg room, but this time there was just two rows of business class seats, and two out of the eight available seats remained unoccupied, including the aisle seat in my row i.e. 1C, giving me a full three-seater to myself.

Flipping through Iberia’s magazine, I came across this print ad featuring the Taj Mahal and promoting Incredible India. Bought a big smile to my face.

The pre-departure service consisted of a drink and nuts. I chose to go for a tried and tested cerveza, or beer (in English). Service on this flight was better, may be because it was a Schengen flight and I was surprised to find a full-blown dinner served during this short one hour hop to Lisbon. The fish and salad did not appeal to my taste buds, and I moved quickly to dessert.

As soon as I finished dinner we were descending to Lisbon and the beautiful city came in the view with bright lights and hills around it. The landing again was a smooth affair and within five minutes we were at the disembarkation point.

The only negative aspect of this flight was the exit through stairs and buses ferrying passengers to the main terminal. May be it was a short-coming of the airport, considering it was past 11pm at night, but then a full service airline like Iberia should work closely with airport authorities to ensure no dilution in their service offerings.

- Vishal Mehra is a digital marketer at a global agency, smitten by travelling and commercial aviation. He tweets a lot and off late has taken to blogging as well. Follow him on Twitter and visit his blog.

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