The First-Class Experience

Some airlines continue to cater to a niche of first-class passengers, with enclosed suites and enhanced amenities

- Riaan Jacob George

There is something brewing in the skies.

While most airlines, given the new configurations of aircraft, have decided to phase out their first-class cabins, opting for enhanced business-class products, a few airlines continue to cash in on their top-end product.

There's a major cabin premiumisation phenomenon that's sweeping the aviation industry, experts say. To put it simply, today’s business class passenger is getting a product that would have classified as first class, five years ago,” says Mumbai-based Manish Vohra, leading luxury travel curator at MEITICKETWORLD.

That's one side of the luxe travel coin — but airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Air France, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways continue to offer a first class cabin, catering to that select niche. For them, the extra space, the exclusivity and the ability to arrive rested makes all the difference,” says Aparna Manghnani, who owns a popular high-end travel agent East West Travels & Tours specialising in high-profile clientele.

Whether it is celebrities avoiding attention or CEOs needing rest before packed schedules, first-class cabins are prioritised over business-class for enhanced privacy, discretion and maximum comfort.