Search Results forlong-haul
Velocity Frequent Flyer Enhances Travel Rewards on Virgin Australia’s Long-Haul Flights
Velocity Frequent Flyer is giving Aussie travellers even more reasons to fly Virgin Australia with an exciting array of perks launching for long-haul international flights (VA1–29). Whether you’re chasing the European summer or exploring far-flung destinations, Velocity has made the journey smoother and more rewarding than ever. Elevating Travel Benefits for Members Following the tripling of Reward Seats for Velocity members on flights between Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne to Doha through February 2026, Velocity has rolled out additional benefits for passengers heading to the Qatari capital on Virgin Australia’s long-haul services. Leading the charge is an Australian airline-first perk: Velocity members, including children, can enjoy a USD$20 “Dine on Us” voucher to spend at Hamad International Airport, recently named the World’s Best Airport at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Simply add your Velocity Frequent Flyer number to your booking before check-in to enjoy this delicious offer. Perks Across All Membership Tiers Velocity members across every tier can take advantage of several great benefits: Business Upgrades: Starting 1 July 2025, all Velocity members can use Points to request upgrades from Economy Flex fares to Business Class on Virgin Australia’s long-haul flights, up to 24 hours before departure. Gold and Platinum members can enjoy upgrades from both Flex and Choice fares, giving access to Qatar Airways’ world-class Qsuite Business Class. Advance Seat Selection: Gold and Platinum members can reserve Preferred and Extra Legroom seats for themselves and up to eight guests on the same booking, free of charge. Red and Silver members receive discounts of 10% and 20%, respectively, on seat selection for Economy Choice and Economy Reward fares. Family Pooling: Combine Points and Status Credits with up to five family members living at the same address. A family of four flying Economy Flex fares from Sydney to Paris via Doha could earn 86,000+ Points and 1,120+ Status Credits, fast-tracking rewards. Exclusive Benefits for Gold & Platinum Members Gold and Platinum Velocity members will also enjoy further perks when travelling with Virgin Australia to Doha: Lounge Access: Complimentary access to Qatar Airways lounges, as well as partner lounges. Additional Checked Baggage Allowance: Extra baggage privileges, depending on the fare type and route. Priority Baggage, Check-in, and Boarding: Fast-track the airport experience with priority services, including access to Business Class counters when flying Qatar Airways-operated services. Enhanced Onboard Comfort and Connectivity Virgin Australia’s long-haul flights promise industry-leading comfort, featuring one of the widest Economy seats available and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite Business Class. Guests can enjoy seamless connectivity with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, powered by advanced satellite technology, keeping them connected throughout their journey. A Travel Experience That Delivers Value Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, emphasises the program’s focus on meaningful and personalised rewards: “We know our members value great rewards when they fly, and our expanded benefits on these new services to Doha deliver exactly that—more upgrade options, more perks, and a better travel experience. From complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to Business Class upgrades with Points and a USD$20 dining voucher, we’re delivering value to recognise their loyalty and choosing to fly with us.” Launching New Routes Virgin Australia’s new long-haul international flights to Doha will launch from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth in June 2025, followed by Melbourne in December 2025. These routes offer an incredible opportunity for Aussie travellers to experience Velocity’s expanded suite of rewards. For more information or to book, visit virginaustralia.com.
Cebu Pacific mulls expansion of long-haul operations
Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is currently considering the expansion of its long-haul operations. These plans are being supported by the airline’s growing fleet, the Philippines’ economic stability, the growing demand from overseas Filipino workers, as well as the surging numbers in terms of inbound tourism. Cebu Pacific’s director of network planning Angela Lugtu explained that the airline is contemplating the expansion of its service routes to include destinations within a nine-hour flight range. Such routes would be serviced with the airline’s 459-seater Airbus A330-900 aircraft. Tale of the tape Cebu Pacific’s current network serves 26 international destinations, and, as of end-2024, the LCC has carried more than 24.5 million passengers utilising a 99-unit-strong fleet of 99. At present, 73 percent of Cebu Pacific’s capacity covers domestic flights, and the remaining 27 percent is used for international routes. However, Cebu Pacific’s only long-haul routes at present are to Dubai, Melbourne, and Sydney. This may change despite ongoing global supply issues within the aviation sector, as the surging population of Filipinos employed overseas calls for longer-haul flight services. Indeed, the demand is making Cebu Pacific and its competitors consider routes as far as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
5 ways Finnair’s Business Class is redefining long-haul luxury
Finnair’s long-haul Business Class experience has reached new heights, setting a benchmark for luxury travel between Europe, the USA, and Asia. With its revamped Business Class cabin now available across its entire long-haul fleet, including the A330 and A350 aircraft, the airline promises a seamless and superior journey for every passenger. Here are five features that make Finnair’s Business Class the ultimate way to travel. The Revolutionary AirLounge Seat At the heart of the Finnair Business Class experience is the game-changing AirLounge seat. Designed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, this curved, fixed-shell seat epitomizes the elegance of Nordic furniture. Unlike traditional recliners, the AirLounge offers unparalleled versatility, allowing passengers to sit upright for work, lounge cross-legged while reading, or stretch out completely for a restful sleep. With its ergonomic design and ability to lie flat, the seat ensures optimal comfort on even the longest flights. Complementing the seating experience is an updated in-flight entertainment system, delivering top-tier movies and TV shows at your fingertips. Nordic Design Touches Throughout the Cabin Finnair’s Business Class cabin is a showcase of Finland’s rich design heritage. From the AirLounge seat to the welcoming entrance area, every detail reflects Nordic elegance. Iconic Finnish brand Marimekko has lent its creative touch to the textiles, featuring vintage designs by Maija Isola. These thoughtful design elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports passengers into the heart of Nordic culture. A Culinary Journey Inspired by Nordic Roots and Global Flavors The menu in Finnair’s Business Class is a celebration of Nordic heritage and global destinations. Fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Passengers can enjoy a sumptuous main meal served after take-off, featuring two starters, a choice of three main courses, cheese, and dessert, paired with award-winning wines. On late-night departures from Helsinki to Asia, a light meal is offered before a pre-landing brunch featuring three main course options. Passengers can also pre-select their preferred main course to guarantee their choice. Whether savouring Nordic delicacies or flavours inspired by international destinations, every meal is thoughtfully crafted to delight the palate. Elevated Dining Experience Dining in Finnair’s Business Class is elevated with bespoke tableware designed by Harri Koskinen for Iittala. The Kuulas range, featuring round plates and glasses made of ceramics, glass, and steel, embodies authenticity and craftsmanship. Koskinen’s designs seamlessly combine beauty and functionality, offering a homely yet refined dining experience that complements the chef-crafted meals served on board. Next-Level In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Finnair’s reimagined in-flight entertainment system features an 18-inch immersive display with a darker, intuitive interface for comfortable nighttime viewing. To support productivity, the cabin offers USB-C connectivity, wireless charging, PC power outlets, and a flexible table setup, ensuring passengers can seamlessly work or unwind during their journey. With the final aircraft upgraded in spring 2024, Finnair’s long-haul Business Class now offers a consistent experience across its fleet. Every detail, from the seat design to the menu and in-flight entertainment, has been meticulously crafted to reflect Finnair’s commitment to delivering excellence. Finnair’s enhanced Business Class, with its blend of Nordic innovation, comfort, and style, offers travellers the ultimate way to fly on regular direct flights.
Lufthansa Launches Free Messaging on Long-Haul Flights: Enhancing Travel Experience for All Passengers
This northern summer, Lufthansa will enhance the travel experience for its passengers by introducing free messaging on all long-haul flights. This important measure will allow passengers to stay connected with their loved ones during their journey, sending and receiving unlimited messages, including photos, on their smartphones or tablets via familiar apps. A Step Towards Improved Travel Experience Lufthansa, along with SWISS and Austrian Airlines, will offer this service on their long-haul flights. This will ensure that passengers can communicate online free of charge while traveling to destinations such as the USA, Brazil, or Japan. The introduction of free messaging is seen as a significant step in continuously improving the overall travel experience for customers. Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, shares his thoughts on this initiative: “The introduction of free messaging on long-haul flights is another important step in continuously improving our customers’ overall travel experience. We will continue to focus our efforts on services that are highly relevant to our customers.” A Success on Short and Medium-Haul Flights Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer at Lufthansa Airlines, highlights the success of free messaging on short and medium-haul flights: “What is already a great success on short and medium-haul flights will also be very popular with our guests on long-haul flights. Being reachable even during a long flight has long been a basic need and a decisive factor when choosing an airline. For example, free messages and in-flight internet offer a portfolio of very attractive digital services to our customers.” Since 2024, the service has been available on short—and medium-haul flights with Lufthansa and numerous Austrian Airlines aircraft and has received positive feedback from passengers. Expanded Connectivity with SWISS and Austrian Airlines SWISS and Austrian Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, will offer free messaging on selected long-haul flights. This collaboration ensures that passengers across these airlines can enjoy staying connected during their travels. Enjoy Unlimited Free Messaging This Summer Starting this summer, passengers on Lufthansa’s long-haul flights can enjoy unlimited free messaging, regardless of their travel class. This new service will enable travellers to communicate freely with their loved ones, making their journey more enjoyable and connected. For more information or to book tickets, passengers can visit the Lufthansa website, use the Lufthansa App, visit Lufthansa retail stores, contact the Lufthansa call centre, or book through travel agents. With the introduction of free messaging on long-haul flights, Lufthansa is taking a significant step toward enhancing the travel experience for its passengers. This new service ensures that travellers can stay connected with their loved ones, making long-haul flights more enjoyable and stress-free. So, get ready to communicate freely and enjoy your journey with Lufthansa!
Lufthansa Group purchases additional latest-generation long-haul aircraft
The Lufthansa Group is purchasing additional Airbus long-haul aircraft, increasing its firm orders for A350-1000 aircraft from ten to 15. The state-of-the-art aircraft of this order will be delivered between 2028 and 2031. The total value of the order is around two billion US dollars at list price. With a total of 60 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s, the Lufthansa Group is one of the largest A350 customers worldwide. Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “Our order today underscores our great confidence in our long-standing, close and successful partnership with Airbus. With the state-of-the-art A350 long-haul jets, we are accelerating the largest fleet modernization in our history. We are investing more than ever before in our history to make air transport more sustainable, to achieve our CO₂ reduction targets and at the same time offer our customers the highest level of comfort with a first-class travel experience. Including today's order, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 770 aircraft from Airbus throughout its history and is proud to be the Airbus’ largest customer worldwide. With the upcoming integration of ITA Airways in January, the Airbus fleet of Lufthansa Group Airlines will grow by another 100 short- and long-haul aircraft.” New aircraft biggest lever for CO₂ reduction With a current fleet of around 740 commercial aircraft, the Lufthansa Group is pursuing a long-term fleet strategy focused on premium quality, cost efficiency and emissions reduction. Including the latest aircraft order, the Lufthansa Group currently has a total of around 250 new, fuel-saving aircraft on its order list, including 100 long-haul aircraft of the latest design. In the medium term, the highly efficient twin-engine long-haul jets are slated to replace four-engine aircraft types that are gradually being phased out. These include the Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-600 and Airbus A340-300 aircraft types. Compared to their predecessors, the new additions to the Lufthansa Group fleet consume up to 35 percent less fuel consumption and emit correspondingly less CO₂. The Lufthansa Group aims to halve its net CO₂ emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures, and to achieve a neutral CO₂ balance by 2050. The Lufthansa Group has already ordered ten A350-1000s back in March 2023, with deliveries due to start in April 2026. This aircraft type is 242 feet (73.8 meters) long and offers around 15 per cent more capacity than the A350-900.
Long-haul markets show potential to drive high-impact tourism in Barcelona
Long-distance markets are emerging as an opportunity to boost high-impact tourist demand to Barcelona, as stated by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform. As the forecasts for the next six months indicate, there are three trends among the international source markets that Barcelona must monitor and manage: the recovery of Asian demand, the variability of the North American market, and the growth of demand and connectivity from the Middle East. Mabrian shared its conclusions during “Barcelona 2025, the tourism we want”, an event organised by Expedia Group, in a round table that included contributions from Mateu Hernández, general manager of Turisme de Barcelona; Walter Lo Faro, Senior Director - Market Management Southern Europe at Expedia Group, and Sonia Huerta, Director of Mabrian's Insights & Tourism Advisory area. The debate addressed the three axes of Barcelona's travel & tourism strategic plan: international positioning, Barcelona’s sustainable development,and the quest for the quality tourism that, beyond its spending profile, establish enhanced interactions and contributions to the economic and social dynamics of the destinations. Mature destinations have a pending task of great relevance, “changing the mindset to move from destination promotion to focus on demand management and tourists’ flows, a process that many Spanish and European destinations have already embarked on, including Barcelona”. As Huerta states, this requires “more selective approach when prioritising markets and segments,” a task in which tourism intelligence and technology play a crucial role helping to fine-tune the criteria to sort long-distance markets using, for example, studying higher-spending markets in respect to their carbon footprint to reach the destination. According to Mabrian’s speaker, such effective demand management to appeal high-impact travellers also implies “putting not only the traveller, but also the resident at the centre of the strategy, disseminating and communicating what we do, how we do it and, particularly, how it benefits local communities”. Air capacity grows in line with the strength of international demand Mabrian's forecasts, which reflect Barcelona’s Share of Searches Index* performance for the next six months, show that advance planning increases by up to 111 days (8 more than in the previous period), for stays of approximately 3 days. In addition, this index indicates that, for the period analysed, Barcelona concentrates 3.5% of the inspirational demand to Europe, 19.2% if searches for flights to Spain. The director of Mabrian's Insights & Tourism Advisory area points out that, for the next six months, "inspirational demand from international markets remains strong, and represents 82.6% of the total, although it is down 2.4 percentage points compared to the same period last year," and such travel intention is growing from Canada and the United Arab Emirates, at a slower pace from China, France, Ireland and Italy; and slightly falling from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Switzerland. This growing trend in inspirational demand is reflected in the air capacity forecasts to Barcelona. In the last 12 months, more than 31.2 million air seats connected domestic and international airports to Barcelona (+12.5% compared to the same period of the previous year) and, for the coming semester, the Catalan capital will have 14.8 million seats available, +5.5% compared to the same semester of the previous year, thanks to the increase in air seats expected between February and March 2025. “Air seats to Barcelona will increase from all key and nearby European markets, except the Netherlands, which is slightly decreasing; nevertheless, forecasts from long-distance markets are striking,” explains Huerta. Thus, except for the United States (-1.6%), key long-distance markets are increasing their seats availability to Barcelona,such as the United Arab Emirates (+9.5%), Canada (+39%), Qatar (+9.4%), China (83.5%) and Saudi Arabia (+29%) and, on top of that, Singapore and Hong Kong have new routes scheduled for the analysed period. A cultural and diverse destination to attract quality tourism The analysis of demand drivers for the last 12 months prepared by Mabrian for this event shows that culture (38.4%) and gastronomy (12.6%) are the main motivations for visiting Barcelona, and active tourism increases. Placing such experiences “at the core of the tourism product development strategy and the destination’s promotion can help Barcelona to champion the quality tourism value proposition”, suggests the Mabrian consultant. The rest of the demand drivers, which represent the remaining 49%, are distributed in a very balanced way, showing the variety of experiences and the diversity of international demand. From the destination’s perceptions point of view, an aspect of capital importance to increase the arrival of high-impact travellers, Barcelona must address the effect of the global coverage of the demonstrations against overtourism or the announcement of the ban on tourist rentals, among other relevant news, “The Global Perception (81.6 out of 100 points) and Perception of Security (87.1) indexes are overall high for Barcelona and holding up well, although they are the most impacted ones, showing slight falls,” says Huerta. The accommodation value proposition is also a very significant factor in attracting this type of traveller, capable of leaving a positive mark on the destination, and it also shows good prospects: in the next six months an average +9% increase in Barcelona’s hotel rates of hotels is expected -3.4 percentage points higher that the Spanish average-, driven mainly by 4-star hotels. In addition, traveller satisfaction with the hotel offer is consistent and fairly uniform between the 3, 4 and 5-star categories. “The average rates of 5-star hotels remain below those of their competitors in other European destinations, and it is advisable to review pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness by aligning market prices,” suggests Mabrian’s director of the Insights & Tourism Advisory, who also recalled that hotels represent nearly 57% of the demand for tourist accommodation in Barcelona,compared to the remaining 43%, which is divided into hostels and similar categories, and tourist apartments.
Air India’s flagship A350 makes ultra long-haul debut on Delhi-New York (JFK) route
Air India, India’s leading global airline, has introduced its flagship A350-900 aircraft on daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This will be followed by a 5x weekly A350 service from Delhi to Newark’s Liberty International Airport (EWR) commencing January 2, 2025. With these deployments, Air India introduces to travellers visiting the New York region its all-new interiors, including private suites in Business Class and a Premium Economy cabin, as well as an award-winning new Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system, enhanced catering, and new serviceware. The deployment of this flagship product, which also recently commenced on the Delhi-London Heathrow route, marks a significant milestone in the airline’s post-privatization transformation program. Introducing Air India Premium Economy The A350 deployment brings Air India’s Premium Economy experience for the first time on the Delhi-New York route, offering 24 extra-legroom seats in a 2-4-2 configuration in a dedicated, upscale cabin. Only non-stop carrier from India to USA to offer private suites with sliding doors in Business Class Air India’s A350 aircraft features a Business Class with 28 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each accommodating a full lie-flat bed. Each suite offers direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors, and a personal wardrobe. Air India, thus, becomes the only non-stop carrier between India and the United States to offer private suites with sliding doors in Business Class. On-board Wi-Fi coming soon Air India is preparing to launch its new inflight connectivity service on international flights operated by the A350. The service is expected to be launched in the coming weeks, enabling guests to use Wi-Fi on their own devices and stay connected. The all-new Air India experience The A350 flights offer travellers an elevated on-board experience, featuring enhanced meal menus, new serviceware, new bedding, and updated amenity kits for Business and Premium Economy guests, exclusively designed by Ferragamo and TUMI, respectively. The seats across all cabins on the A350 come with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 IFE system and HD screens that offer more than 3,000 hours of entertainment content from around the world in 13 international and 8 Indian regional languages. Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer & managing director, Air India, said: “The A350 is not just another aircraft for Air India; it is a symbol of the “new Air India” that is emerging through our 5-year Vihaan.AI post-privatisation transformation program. Guest feedback on the aircraft and new customer experience has been exceptionally positive since it was launched on the Delhi-London Heathrow route in September, so we are excited to now bring it to New York. We are also looking forward to commencing the full interior refit of existing aircraft in 2025 which, together with the hundreds of new aircraft on order, will take Air India to new heights.”
Long-Haul trips boost German travel plans for autumn 2024: Mabrian
Representative Image While Mediterranean countries continue to attract German travellers, long-haul destinations, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, are becoming increasingly popular for autumn 2024. This trend is highlighted by a recent analysis from Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform that is part of The Data Appeal Company. These findings combine cyclical data about Germans' autumn travel interests and motivations, along with inspirational travel demand data based on Mabrian’s Share of Searches Index, that reflects the strength of travel demand based on flight searches behaviour. Given a source market and a period of time, the Share of Searches Index is a percentage that correlates the total flight searches globally with spontaneous searches for specific destinations. For this analysis, Share of Searches Index tracked flight searches in Germany, made at least three months in advance, for trips between September and November 2024, focusing on top performing destinations for the German travel market. “Unlike confirmed bookings, this ratio shows the degree of market interest in certain destinations,” says Carlos Cendra, partner and director of Marketing and Communication at Mabrian. “Whether reservations are confirmed depends on many factors, from available connectivity, flight and accommodation prices, or other phenomena that may influence travellers’ willingness to purchase or spend.” Data also indicates that travel plans between September and November 2024 reflect a shifting trend, a slight readjustment of the yet strong demand to Mediterranean destinations, and a demand surge for alternative medium haul destinations in the Caucasus and Central Asia, some Nordic countries as well as in the Balkan Peninsula. Rich culture, pleasant climates, and outdoors, drivers to Middle East and Asia Aligned with the strength of experiential travel in European demand, for Germans, autumn trips are becoming more about exploration and cultural immersion. Flight searches and inspirational demand from German travellers indicate that Asian and Middle East destinations are a strong seasonal trend for this year, whether it be to enjoy Asia’s heritage and gastronomy, or to delve into Middle East lifestyle, traditions and exotic and sunny landscapes. Several Asian countries rank in the top 20 most demanded destinations by Germans for autumn 2024, being India (+41% increase compared to 2023 fall season), Vietnam (+35% year over year) and Singapore (+26%), the ones seeing a strongest growth in inspirational demand; followed by Japan (+15% compared to 2023 autumn), Indonesia (+11%), and Thailand (+10%). Similar to Asia, Middle East destinations’ demand increase for fall season travel among Germans is fuelled by direct air connectivity. United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia demand grew +23% and +57% comparted to autumn 2023; as well as Egypt, increasing 41%. Conversely, German travellers’ motivations to choose these trendy Middle East destinations for autumn escapades are more diverse. As Mabrian data indicates Egypt, and particularly Saudi Arabia, are considered by Germans as the quintessential cultural destinations, also suitable for active and outdoors travel; while United Arab Emirates are an active tourism and sun & beach spots, and a world-class shopping destination. Differently as in the case of Asia, German travellers’ motivations to choose these trendy Middle East destinations for autumn escapades are more diverse. As Mabrian data indicates Egypt, and particularly Saudi Arabia, are considered by Germans as the quintessential cultural destinations, also suitable for active and outdoors travel; while United Arab Emirates are an active tourism and sun & beach spots, and a world-class shopping destination. Other long-haul destinations seeing an increased demand for this autumn are Australia (+21% year over year, (driven by an overall increase in demand in Germany); and exotic sun & beach destinations such as Maldives (+23% interannual growth) Mauritius and the Dominican Republic (growing +85% and +25%, respectively), as well as Sri Lanka (+9% respect to fall 2023). Emerging Medium-Haul destinations in Northern and Eastern Europe A significant trend is unfolding in medium-haul choices: German travellers still show a strong preference for traditional Mediterranean destinations as autumn travel spots (Turkey in particular; plus Spain, Italy, France, or Greece) but, as demand stabilizes or slightly decreases this year, compared to the same period in 2023; the Balkan Peninsula, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and some Nordic countries are becoming more appealing to this market. As Cendra explains, “this change responds to an appetite to visit lesser-known destinations and to find better value-for-money options and experiences that provide a balance between cultural attractions, gastronomy and active tourism”. In fact, the exceptions to this trend are Portugal and Tunisia, as seasonal demand from Germany increases 5% and 52%, respectively, compared to fall 2023. German demand to travel to Nordic countries shows mixed trends: Denmark and Finland decline, while Sweden and Norway experience increases of +12% and +18%, driven by outdoor and natural attractions, particularly appealing to the Munich market, with significant demand growth. In the Balkans peninsula, Croatia (+45%), Serbia (+25%), and Albania (+73%), are becoming popular autumn destinations for Germans, as well as the Caucasus and Central Asia, with Georgia seeing +9% more demand than in fall 2023, alongside rising interest in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, which are still niche but growing significantly.
Finnair’s revamped long-haul Business Class takes flight
Finnair has successfully completed a €200 million renewal of its long-haul cabins, refurbishing all of its long-haul aircraft. This extensive upgrade introduces a brand-new Business Class seat, a new Premium Economy cabin, and a refreshed Economy Class, all meticulously crafted to provide the ultimate onboard experience. Finnair’s enhanced Business Class cabins combine cutting-edge comfort, exquisite design, and top-tier service, solidifying the airline as the premier choice for passengers traveling between Europe, the USA, and Asia. For travelers from India, Finnair’s direct flights from New Delhi to Helsinki provide an ideal gateway to explore the Nordics and beyond. Here are six reasons why Finnair's long-haul Business Class is a true game changer: Redefining Comfort The centerpiece of this transformation is the AirLounge seat, developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace. The innovative seat design departs from traditional reclining mechanisms, instead offering a fixed shell that allows multiple seating positions, from cross-legged relaxation to a full-flat bed for optimal sleep. This seat redefines comfort with its ergonomic features, ensuring passengers can work, rest, or enjoy entertainment with ease. Nordic Design with a Finnish Touch The cabin’s design further reflects Finnair’s Nordic heritage. Iconic Finnish brand Marimekko has contributed textiles featuring vintage designs by Maija Isola, adding a touch of elegance and comfort. The newly designed entrance area in Business Class also exudes a distinctly Finnish ambiance, creating a cohesive and immersive environment from the moment passengers' step on board. A Culinary Journey at 35,000 Feet Complementing Finnair’s seating innovation and unique cabin design is its thoughtfully curated menu, which draws inspiration from both Nordic and Asian culinary traditions. Business Class passengers are treated to a main meal post-takeoff and a lighter option before arrival. The menu includes a selection of starters, main courses, cheeses, and desserts, paired with award-winning wines. A pre-selection service is available on flights departing from Helsinki, allowing passengers to secure their preferred dish ahead of time. Dining Elevated with Harri Koskinen's Tableware The in-flight dining experience is further elevated with the use of tableware designed by Finnish designer Harri Koskinen for Iittala. The Kuulas range, crafted from ceramics, glass, wood, and steel, brings a homely and authentic feel to the dining experience. Koskinen’s designs feature round plates and glasses, a departure from the conventional rectangular items typically found in airplane cabins, emphasizing both beauty and functionality. State-of-the-Art In-Flight Entertainment The onboard entertainment system has also been revamped to enhance the travel experience. An 18-inch display provides an immersive viewing experience, while the redesigned user interface, with its darker tones, is easy on the eyes, particularly during night flights. USB-C connectivity and PC power options cater to passengers who wish to work, making the cabin as functional as it is luxurious. Enhancing the Travel Experience with Finnair Extras Beyond the in-flight experience, Finnair enhances each journey with personalized travel extras. The newly opened Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport’s Schengen side offers a serene environment with Nordic-inspired design and flavors. Passengers can also select preferred seats for added comfort and pre-order gourmet meals for European flights. Additionally, the Finnair Plus program provides exclusive benefits and opportunities to earn Avios, adding value to every flight.
Qantas’ Project Sunrise: Balancing Comfort and Cost in Ultra-Long-Haul Flights
Drawing from my experience as a past executive in the aviation sector, I’ve been keenly tracking the progress of Qantas’ audacious ‘Project Sunrise’. This pioneering initiative seeks to establish nonstop flights exceeding 20 hours, forging direct air links from Sydney to global hubs like London and New York. Although these flights are projected to commence in 2026 or potentially 2027, subject to delays, the industry is already abuzz with discussions on the prospective implications for passenger comfort and ticket pricing. Qantas’ Project Sunrise is an ambitious initiative that aims to redefine the future of air travel. The project’s goal is to operate regular, non-stop commercial flights from the east coast of Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) to ultra-long-haul destinations such as London and New York. However, with these extended flight durations come concerns about passenger comfort and the potential increase in airfares. Let’s delve deeper into these aspects. The Comfort Conundrum Passengers on Qantas’ Project Sunrise flights have shared positive experiences. They appreciated the airline’s efforts to enhance comfort on the 19-hour flight from New York to Sydney, including various cabin configurations, lighting, meal timings, and in-flight exercises. The introduction of ‘Wellbeing Zones’ was well-received, allowing passengers to stretch and engage in exercises. Initial research findings showed less severe jet lag, better sleep quality, and improved cognitive performance post-flight. However, these flights were not fully loaded, and all passengers were accommodated in lie-flat beds in business class. The experience may vary for different cabin classes on fully loaded-flights. The human body is not designed to be confined to a small space for extended periods. Ultra-long-haul flights, which can last up to 20 hours, pose significant challenges to passenger comfort. The issues range from physical discomfort and jet lag to more serious health risks such as deep vein thrombosis. To address these concerns, Qantas has been conducting research flights under Project Sunrise, studying ways to enhance passenger comfort. The airline has been experimenting with various cabin configurations, lighting, meal timings, and even in-flight exercises to mitigate the effects of long-haul flights on the body. In addition, Qantas has been working closely with aircraft manufacturers to design cabins that can better accommodate the needs of passengers on ultra-long-haul flights. This includes more spacious seating, improved air quality, and lower cabin altitude, all aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. The Rising Cost of Airfares While the prospect of flying non-stop from Sydney to London or New York is undoubtedly appealing, it comes with a potential increase in airfares. Operating ultra-long-haul flights is expensive. The cost of fuel, the need for specially configured aircraft, and the additional services required to maintain passenger comfort all add to the operational costs. Qantas, however, is keenly aware of the price sensitivity of its customers. The airline is exploring various strategies to keep airfares as competitive as possible. This includes maximizing the efficiency of its operations, investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, and offering a range of fare classes to cater to different budgets. Looking Ahead Project Sunrise represents a significant step forward in the evolution of air travel. While challenges around passenger comfort and cost remain, Qantas is committed to finding solutions that balance these concerns. The airline’s ongoing research and investment in this area signal its dedication to making ultra-long-haul travel a viable and enjoyable reality for its passengers. As we watch the sunrise on this new era of aviation, it’s clear that the journey is just as important as the destination. And with Project Sunrise, Qantas is striving to ensure that journey is as comfortable and affordable as possible. My conclusion I believe that a specific group of people, mainly Business and First-Class passengers, including business leaders and wealthy retired people, might be ready to pay an extra 20% over their regular ticket price to fly nonstop from and to Australia. The long flight duration might not appeal to everyone. Instead of spending extra money on such long flights, you could save on the ticket price and spend it on a hotel stay in the Gulf or Asia. This way, the journey becomes more comfortable for you. I also doubt that budget-conscious economy passengers will be willing to pay the premium. Other airlines with stopovers in Asia/Pacific or intriguing Middle Eastern destinations will offer more affordable alternatives. The competitive landscape is set to intensify as airlines ramp up their capacity and frequency and new entrants join the fray. Qantas undoubtedly has more expertise and data to forecast prices than I do. So, either they have insights that I lack, or they are priming their customers to brace for lack of comfort and higher fares on Project Sunrise routes, banking on their willingness to pay more for the experience of flying in an aircraft emblazoned with the iconic red kangaroo.
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