Cabin changes and major aircraft deals left their mark on Dubai Airshow 2017, reports Dominic Ellis
Emirates and flydubai had plenty in common during Dubai Airshow 2017 week, beyond their nascent codeshare partnership. Both carriers were displaying new aircraft – in Emirates’ case, the 100th A380 featuring a tribute to HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while flydubai paraded its B737 MAX – and announced major orders (Emirates ordering 40 Dreamliners, flydubai 225 B737 MAX). They showed off their latest premium cabins too, though perhaps the most significant link lay in what they omitted rather than included.
Both airlines have cut out two seats. Emirates’ first class on its new Boeing widebodies – going into service initially on Geneva and Brussels this month – feature six self-contained suites while flydubai’s new MAX has removed the second-row pairing, opting for a stylish-looking single middle seat in a 10-seat business class cabin.
Such moves may seem peripheral in the context of multi-cabin configurations and billion-dollar plane orders but space is always the most precious commodity on any aircraft; in their separate ways, both partners were making bold statements with their premium upgrades, enticing passengers with a more cosey and private experience for those prepared to pay for it.
Emirates’ first class suites took centre stage at a time when many airlines continue to cut first class or disband it altogether. The tie-up with Mercedes-Benz, which worked on the cabins for four years with Emirates, results in sharper wood (inspired on the S Class) and fixture designs and augments Emirates’ presence in the luxury brand space, while charismatic auto journo Jeremy Clarkson provides the ad campaign with some extra zip.
‘WINDOW’ VIEWS FROM AISLE SUITES
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2017 من Business Traveller Middle East.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2017 من Business Traveller Middle East.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Onwards and upwards
In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track
Cleaning up the crisis
How hotels have risen to the challenge of keeping guests safe during the pandemic
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear
TAKES OFF
Corporations are seeking new travel solutions that put safety and convenience first
TEE TIME IN TOKYO
The Tokyo Olympics may be delayed, but the golf courses around Japan’s capital aren’t slowing down
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia
QATAR CALLING
A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup
MEMPHIS CON BRIO
Music and history flood through the heart and soul of this quintessential American river town
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.
Taking Scotland in Stride
A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature