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CNBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Caviar and privacy: Airlines' business-class wars are here
DALLAS — Armed with dollops of caviar and handfuls of Bang & Olufsen headphones, U.S. airlines are duking it out for international business-class dominance. There are even differences between seats in the same cabin. Next week, American Airlines plans to start flying its upgraded business-class "suites" that feature today's premium-class must-have — a sliding door — and other features like a "trinket tray" and a wireless charging pad. Within the cabins on its subset of Boeing Dreamliners, which American is calling the 787-9P (the P stands for premium), there will be eight "Preferred" suites that the airline says will have 42% more "living area." They'll be first come, first serve with no upcharge, at least for now. United Airlines is hoping to outdo its rivals by putting doors on its Polaris long-haul business class seats; creating a new option at the front of the cabin called "Polaris Studio," which has an ottoman (for a visitor); and installing 27-inch 4K screens. The studios are 25% larger than regular suites, United says. It hasn't yet said how much more it will charge for the studios over the standard suites. Having an even-higher tier of seats within long-haul top-tier classes has been catching on. Virgin Atlantic has the "Retreat Suite" at the front of Upper Class on its Airbus A330s and Lufthansa is offering a two-person suite in its new Allegris first class that can be converted into a double bed. Etihad has a three-room option called "The Residence" on Airbus A380s, which can cost $20,000 or more for a one-way ticket between New York and Abu Dhabi, though the airline varies how it uses those jets. "The experience here is a way to give not only our existing customers a wider range of products to pick from," Andrew Nocella, United's chief commercial officer, told reporters earlier this month. "We just didn't have something better, and now we do." American and United took a page from Delta Air Lines, the most profitable U.S. carrier, which already offers suites with sliding doors in its Delta One cabin. The Atlanta-based carrier, in turn, last year opened a dedicated lounge for the highest-tier customers, a move American and United had already made. Business-class tickets are costly for many consumers. A ticket aboard American's new suite, leaving Aug. 8 and returning a week later, is going for $5,747 from Philadelphia to London, compared with $867 in standard coach. Getting more customers to pay up for pricier seats is key for an industry with high costs and thin margins. Delta had a 7.6% pretax margin last year, United had 7.3%, while American's was 2.1%, and the broader S&P 500's was 12.8%, according to FactSet data. Airline executives are banking more than ever that consumers will continue to splurge on better travel experiences despite weaker-than-expected demand for lower-priced tickets like domestic coach this year. "I think it's growing this much because the experience in economy is so bad," said Robert Mann, who worked at several airlines and is president of aviation consulting firm R.W. Mann & Co. Airlines have been updating their cabins for years and they have become so elaborate that they have slowed down some aircraft deliveries because of supply chain snarls and bottlenecks in regulators' certification. American is using the new suites in a combined, larger business-class for international travel, and getting rid of its first class, for the most part. By many measures, though, including space and amenities, the service is higher end than many "first class" cabins of the past. "Really, business [class] is starting to become so similar it was hard to really differentiate, and we want to make sure we offer as many business-class seats as we can," said Heather Garboden, American's chief customer officer. The name matters. "A lot of corporations will not permit the purchase of first class, but they will permit business class," said Mann. Airline executives have been confident about their push to invest billions in the more luxurious cabins, brushing off signs of a possible economic downturn. "We're at a really uncertain economic time right now and premium demand has remained solid," Garboden said. Wealthier people "tend to do OK even in a recession," Mann noted. The number of premium seats is rising along with the experience. American said by the end of the decade it will increase its lie-flat seats and premium economy seating by 50%. The airline also recently said it will offer free satellite Wi-Fi to its loyalty program members, following Delta and United. United is also growing its cabin with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners outfitted with eight "Polaris Studios," in a 1-2-1 configuration and 56 Polaris business class suites. Currently, the planes only have 48 Polaris seats. It expects to have 30 Dreamliners with the new interior by 2027 but a first flight, between United's San Francisco hub and Singapore, is set for early 2026, the airline said earlier this month. The carriers are also trying to raise the bar on the so-called "soft product" like plush bedding and comforts like noise-cancelling headphones. American announced last month that it won't collect its Bang & Olufsen headphones from Flagship travelers before landing so they can keep watching movies and other entertainment longer. "Polaris food and beverage offerings are being upgraded at the same time with enhanced meal choices on all new dishware, glassware and fresh white linens," United's Nocella said. "We've even added red pepper flakes in addition to salt and pepper so passengers can spice up their meals." While the top-tier business class is offering higher tech and more high-touch service, the carriers don't have the over-the-top amenities of international airlines. United is planning an amuse bouche of Ossetra caviar for Polaris. Meanwhile, in first class in Emirates , which has larger aircraft with the Airbus A380, travelers have access to showers on board and "unlimited" caviar service. For some, good service is simpler. "I could be sitting up front or I can be sitting in the back but if the plane's late, the plane's late," Mann said.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
New UK airline ‘that takes passengers back to golden age of travel' launches first flight
GLOBAL Airlines has taken off from Glasgow Airport after promising to make travel less painful - here is everything that the airline claims to offer. 3 The first Global Airlines flight took off today Credit: Getty 3 The Airbus A380 is heading to New York JFK Credit: Getty The British airline's maiden flight, with an Airbus A380 plane, heading for New York JFK, was due to set off at 11am today, but was slightly delayed and finally took off at 11:34am. The 36-year-old has promised that it will be a new era of flying. He said: "People are sick and tired of the service they get on current airlines. We will be better." Read more on airlines He added that he is "constantly bewildered and disappointed by the poor experiences he has encountered aboard hundreds of Instead, Global Airlines hopes to give passengers "the best experience in the sky " and get "fast relief from the aches and pains associated with commercial air travel". According to In addition, one passenger paid £2,999 for a Most read in News Travel Other passengers reportedly requested to pay for an upgrade, but were given it free of charge. It is also rumoured that food and drink for the inaugural flight cost £40,000. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying In 2013, Asquith became the youngest person to travel to every country in the world at 24-years-old. However, he has now been overtaken by Asquith previously worked in investment banking for eight years, before launching the Holiday Swap website – which is partially funding the Global Airlines project. The airline currently owns two European-built Airbus A380s and the one that is serviceable is 12 years old. Will the airline take off? Lisa Minot, The Sun's head of travel weighs in. IT'S being billed -by its millionaire owner - as a game-changing new airline that will revolutionise the passenger experience. But despite the lofty ambitions of its founder James Asquith - and its first commercial flight today from Glasgow to New York - the plain fact remains, it is simply not a functioning airline yet. With just two fixed-date, charter flights from Glasgow and another - from Manchester later this month, the airline does not yet have the necessary permits - or slots - to fulfill its original ambition of launching regular scheduled flights from Gatwick to New York. It is also taking on the big boys of the UK and US aviation industry on the most popular transatlantic route. Asquith is looking to offer a revolutionary new service by using the huge Airbus A380 but Global's only functioning plane - flying on the Glasgow inaugural today - is a 12-year-old A380 that was owned by China Southern. Despite promising five different classes on the plane - including a much vaunted 'gamer class' that would sit between premium economy and business class and feature pods where passengers could play Xbox and PS5s - the aircraft taking off this week will feature just the original three classes if flew as a China Southern outfit - first, business and economy. The London to New York route is lucrative for the legacy airlines like British Airways and Virgin as the number of business class passengers mean it can bring in decent profits. Global Airline's plane will have fewer premium seats than its competitors on an older plane - and right now can't even offer scheduled flights or regular departures. While competition is always good for passengers, Global has a mountain to climb before it can consider itself a serious alternative to the traditional carriers. It will be interesting to see if the ambitions translate into a real game-changer of a service. The other, a 16-year-old SuperJumbo formerly flown by Singapore Airlines, is still stored at Lourdes in southwest France. Global Airlines currently only has four transatlantic flights planned and has promised scheduled flights from London Gatwick to the US, but does not have the necessary permits or slots. In addition, Plus, 3 There are currently only four Global Airlines' flights scheduled Credit: Getty
Travel Daily News
05-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Lufthansa flies to Denver with the Airbus A380 for the first time
Lufthansa launches A380 service to Denver, marking the airport's first-ever A380 arrival and strengthening transatlantic ties via Munich. Lufthansa is flying an Airbus A380 to Denver, USA, for the first time. This is also a premiere for the third largest airport in the US, as it is the first time the airport is welcoming an aircraft of this size. Denver is Munich Airport's sister airport, a decades-long partnership based on the close economic and cultural ties between Bavaria and Colorado. The airport at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is on Munich's daily flight schedule. The A380 will take off under flight number LH480 at 11:15 a.m. and land in Denver at 1:45 p.m. local time. The return flight will depart at 4:15 p.m. and arrive in Munich at 10:50 a.m. the following day. Denver is the sixth destination this summer that Lufthansa is flying to with the world's largest passenger aircraft. Other destinations are New York (JFK), Boston, Washington, Los Angeles, and Delhi. A total of eight Airbus A380s, each with 509 seats, are based at Lufthansa's Munich hub. The aircraft offers eight seats in First Class, 78 seats in Business Class, 52 seats in Premium Economy and 371 seats in Economy Class. This means that the A380 offers more premium seats than any other aircraft. With Denver, Lufthansa flies to an attractive destination. The North American metropolis is the starting point for activities in the Rocky Mountains and an Eldorado for sports and nature enthusiasts. Through the Denver hub of Star Alliance partner United Airlines, Lufthansa passengers can also reach 170 additional destinations, including popular destinations such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. Lufthansa has been flying nonstop from Munich to Denver for nine years and from Frankfurt for 25 years.
Gulf Business
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
New heights: Emirates to hire 1,500 pilots, other jobs openings available
Emirates/Website Emirates has reaffirmed its commitment to hiring more than 1,500 new pilots over the next two years. According to a Read- The airline is building on the success of its Accelerated Command Programme, which fast-tracks First Officers to the role of Captain. More than 80 pilots are currently progressing through this command upgrade. Aspiring aviators joining this world-class community can expect a suite of thoughtfully curated, industry-leading benefits. World's y oungest, m ost m odern f leet Emirates pilots operate the world's youngest and most modern fleet, consisting of 261 all-wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and the airline's latest addition—the A350. Flying to 148 g lobal d estinations Emirates pilots connect major cities such as San Francisco and Sydney to tranquil destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius, serving over 148 destinations across six continents. Office at 40,000 f eet From dense forests and vast deserts to the Himalayas, oceans, and even the aurora borealis, every journey offers a unique experience. Emirates pilots also enjoy the 'best office in the world' with breathtaking views from 40,000 feet. Competitive b enefits and s alary Emirates offers its pilots a competitive, tax-free salary with profit-sharing incentives. Additional benefits include a world-class provident fund, retirement plans, and comprehensive life, medical, and dental coverage. Pilot r oles a vailable In line with its ambitious growth plans, Emirates is hiring experienced pilots under four key programmes: Direct Entry Captains Accelerated Command First Officers (Type Rated) First Officers (Non-Type Rated) New recruits will join a community of over 4,600 flight crew members. Global r oadshows for r ecruitment Since early 2022, Emirates has welcomed nearly 2,000 new pilots. This year, the airline's recruitment team plans to host roadshows in more than 40 cities, aiming to hire over 550 pilots. Following recent sessions in Italy, upcoming stops include Norway, Finland, and Sweden in May. Job o penings at E mirates Current vacancies across various categories include:
Gulf Insider
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Emirates Plans to Recruit 1,500 New Pilots in 2 Years
Emirates plans to recruit 1,500 new pilots within the next two years as it enters its next era of growth and global expansion. On World Pilots' Day, the Dubai-based carrier highlighted ambitious recruitment plans, including 550 aviators this year alone. The airline is riding on the success of its Accelerated Command programme which fast-tracks First Officers to the role of Captain, with more than 80 pilots well on their way to achieving this command upgrade. Emirates is focused on hiring experienced pilots for roles in one of its four programmes: Direct Entry Captains Accelerated Command First Officers Type Rated First Officers Non-Type Rated The new hires will be embraced into a 4,600 strong flight crew community. Since the start of 2022, the airline has welcomed nearly 2,000 new pilots. This year, Emirates' recruitment team will host roadshows in more than 40 cities across the world with a goal to hire more than 550 pilots. After successful sessions in Italy this month, they will visit Norway, Finland and Sweden in May. To learn more about the eligibility criteria visit Emirates pilots fly the world's youngest and most modern fleet of 261 all wide-body aircraft of Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s and its latest addition, the A350, while flying to more than 148 destinations across six continents. Emirates pilots enjoy a competitive tax-free salary with profit sharing benefits – ensuring security and stability. They have access to a world-class provident fund and retirement benefits as well as life, medical and dental coverage. Pilots are chauffeured to and from work in luxury cars and live in spacious villas in gated communities. Pilots have opportunities to explore the world with family and friends – this includes 42 annual leave days and tickets for the entire family in First or Business Class, plus deeply discounted tickets for self, immediate and wider family, plus friends. Bidding and swapping for preferred flights and destinations with the airline's advanced rostering system ensures they can spend special moments with loved ones. Pilots are part of a vibrant community in Dubai where they live alongside colleagues from more than 110 countries. The Emirates Platinum Card is designed to offer pilots and their dependents exclusive benefits and access to discounts across thousands of leading brands and retail stores, clubs, clinics, and renowned hospitality outlets both locally and globally. Complementing this, the Premium Club Membership provides employees and their families entry to premium fitness and leisure facilities at selected clubs in Dubai. Also read: Riyadh Air to Launch Passenger Flights by 2025 End, Aims to Rival Emirates, Qatar Airways
