Gulf carriers winning U.S. customers with premium facilities

It is déjà vu for leading Middle East carriers such as Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways as major U.S.-based carriers frenetically battle it out to retain the confidence of U.S. customers and keep holding on to them.

The three largest U.S. airlines – Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines – are finding the going absolutely tough as Gulf carriers continue to expand aggressively into the U.S. market.

The Gulf carriers stand out when it comes to showering their customers with many privileges and luxurious experience in their ultra modern premium cabins. All the Gulf carriers now boast of a sparkling fleet new widebody aircrafts. The customer service offered by these airlines are also rated among the best worldwide. However, it is their premium cabins that make them exceptional.

Etihad Airways has upped the ante and raised premium flying experience to a new level. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has unveiled “Residence” suites comprising of a bedroom area, a private bathroom and butler service. These exclusive suites are such that they could very well double as a small apartment in New York. The suites made their debut late last year and are being offered at a hefty $20,000 each way. The airline will launch its “Residence” suites on its Abu Dhabi-New York route in December 2015.

Emirates Airline is also wooing high-spending luxury fliers aggressively. The airline is offering private suites to its customers on Airbus A380 aircrafts with access to in-flight shower. Qatar Airways has also rolled out its spacious lie-flat seats which it terms as among the best business class seats on offer so far in the world.