Analysis carried out for the FT by an aviation data company shows that first class travel is more popular than ever, with a 34% rise in the number of seats on flights this year compared with 2009.
The increase comes as airlines invest significant sums to shift the first-class experience to a new level of luxury, as they all compete to attract the ever increasing numbers of people with eye watering levels of money to spend in the Asian and Middle Eastern market.
I was lucky enough (big mistake, very envious) to be invited to view the new Etihad private, 125 sq ft suite – a three room apartment for two, nestled neatly in the nose of the Airbus A380 known as The Residence” and trust me – it is ridiculously opulent. It includes a double bedroom, a tiny shower room and a dining room. A Savoy trained butler will serve the Residence’s two guests with personalised gourmet meals, prepared by an in-flight chef, on gold-plated crockery. They are hoping to target the private jet market, which I don’t think will be a problem. Imagine flying to Australia (if you have a spare £25K to spend one way) or to Abu Dhabi (for a mere £12K) in this sort of space:-
The double bed:-
The dining room:-
The loo and shower:-
