When boarding a flight, W most passengers are more concerned about their seat assignment, potential bad neighbours or inflight entertainment (IFE) than the age of the aircraft they are flying on.
However, the age of an aeroplane can significantly impact the flight experience, not to mention operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
PASSENGER EXPERIENCE
Newer aircraft typically offer better amenities, such as larger and more comfortable seats, more storage, advanced IFE systems and enhanced connectivity.
Obviously, the aviation industry has come a long way from when flying was a loud, cold and unsettling adventure, where passengers experienced more physiological issues such as tiredness and dehydration.
New technology aircraft like the Airbus A350 long-haul jet, which is popular with airlines around the world including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and soon Qantas, have been designed to leave all that behind. These aircraft offer enhanced passenger comfort with features like higher cabin pressure and improved air-filtration systems, which help to reduce jet lag and fatigue.
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, which recently took delivery of its 48th A350, has been reshaping its worldwide operations around the latest technology A350 widebody.
"The Airbus A350 is noticeably quieter than other aircraft in the cruise, and I particularly notice it when coming into land through horrible weather. It's raining and you're being battered around a bit on approach, but on the flight deck you can talk at normal conversation levels. It's quiet for passengers, too - and this is great because one of the things that adds to jet lag and fatigue is noise," said the late Cathay Pacific captain, Evan Summerfield, in an official Cathay blog post.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July/August 2024 من Business Traveller UK.
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 July/August 2024 من Business Traveller UK.
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
The rail thing - Why airlines and train companies are partnering to increase options for travellers on short journeys
An intercity flight connection operated by train would have been almost unthinkable in the early 1990s, but in 2024 it will increasingly be the default experience at many European hub airports. European nations have been among the world's leaders in adopting high-speed rail for short-distance trips, along with Asian countries such as Japan and China.
Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun
Over the past few years, tourism has shot up stratospherically; recent figures from the European Travel Commission show it's grown 86 per cent since 2019. Its GDP per capita has also been increasing, and last year stood at US$8,800, while the average monthly salary is now around 84,000 lek (£704). Foreign direct investment is also on the rise, with countries including Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands targeting sectors such as energy, mining, information and real estate to a value of around US$1.5 billion in 2022, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report. Not bad for a country which used to depend on foreign food aid.
Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London
Watching Kanesaka work his magic is performance in itself
Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen
An impressive corporate hotel just minutes from Copenhagen's centre
Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester
The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
A stunning success another calming experience in the capital
Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS
It remains the superior service for those travelling from London to Paris
Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG
There is a lot to like, but my experience was far from perfect
4 HOURS IN...Vienna
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Austrian capital's museums, galleries and historic cafes
SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY
Escape to the secluded forests of the Loire Valley for a digital detox