Business class travel is back. This is somewhat unexpected. Two years ago, airlines fretted. They feared post-pandemic passengers would not be willing to pay extra to sit at the front of their aircraft. Fares would fall, good for executives, but so would revenue, bad for airlines. Familiar routes would no longer be viable.
The Aircraft Interiors Expo and Passenger Experience Conference in Hamburg showcased the next generation of comfort in the sky, surround-sound cinema and fixed comfortable seats. The shape of business class travel has changed too. Pre-pandemic, most of those who occupied the front of the aircraft were there because somebody else was paying the bill. The executives and air-mile collectors who used to sit up front have been joined by a new demographic and generation who want those fancy seats, posh food and plush lounges.
In 2024 capacity came back, and the supply fell way short of demand. Fares spiked. Not every route is back to full capacity, particularly eastbound. But Dublin’s American services have crept ahead of pre-pandemic levels, 222 flights a week in summer 2024 compared with 189 a week in summer 2019. More up-to-date aircraft types have been deployed on these routes with more business class seats to fill, but airlines have no trouble filling them.
US carriers were more enthusiastic, and took the concept further, so much so that passengers nowadays have to navigate a dizzying choice of seat types on the same aircraft. American Airlines have five seat types on their B77-300, first class , business class , premium economy , cabin extra and main cabin .
Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France still offer business class services to Europe, but it is on flights of five hours and more that business class comes into its own.
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Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »