Flying Pleasures

The rise of business class is motivating these airlines to offer some truly one of a kind first-class experiences.

- Riaan Jacob George

In 2015, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways made headlines when it announced its new “Residence,” a penthouse in the sky featuring a sitting room, bedroom with double bed and bathroom. During a recent visit to the Etihad Airways Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi, the airline’s product team highlighted that these premium cabins are not designed to look like a typical first or business class product. They’re modeled after a “private member’s club” or even a yacht. And further adding to the luxury quotient are exclusive privileges like a private Savoy-trained butler, branded amenities, luxurious linen, massive television screens and the works. This is the super first class.

In aviation parlance, super first class is a product that goes beyond traditional first class. The more conventional first class products do not involve enclosed suites but instead offer wide flat-bed seats, albeit with limited privacy.

There has been an ongoing debate about the relevance of first class since 2017, because of the pervasive presence of new, enhanced business class seats, as well as the introduction of premium economy cabins. Despite this, many long-haul airlines – Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air India, Jet Airways – continue to offer a noteworthy first class product on their long-haul routes, catering to a small bunch of travelers who are looking for that extra exclusivity.

And then there are the following four, who cater to an even smaller group with their high-end offerings.