Ever imagined what a futuristic world of air travel would be like! When travelling in future you might look forward to noise-cancelling headphones, free in-flight Wi-Fi, smart cabin lighting simulating night and day in order to ease jetlag anguish, pivoting tray tables instead of foldable ones, luxurious seats than before, and on-call chefs – these are some of the amenities that future air travellers, regardless of class they are flying, would be lapping up on board their flights.
It would not be wrong to say that the future of air travel has already arrived. There are some international airlines, particularly those from the Middle East such as Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline, which have started equipping their aircrafts with some of these amenities in first class and business class. According to a recent study, the year 2015 is considered to be a landmark year for aircraft innovation. With state-of-the-art technologies sparking a renaissance in aircraft design and on-board enhancements, the commercial aviation industry is in the midst of a New Jet Age.
The fact that airlines have started to dream big once again after decades of inertia can be seen in what Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline have accomplished lately.
UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways had earlier in May this year brought something special on the Arabian Peninsula. Groundbreaking cabin designs were launched by the airline for its Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline brought the concept of luxurious flying to an entirely new level with the launch of The Residence – a ravishing new bed-bath-lounge suite – in its Airbus A380 Dreamliner aircraft. This concept is the first of its kind in the world in commercial aviation industry.
The exquisitely designed aircrafts gives a feel as though one is entering a posh lobby with its faintly arabesque screens and wooden floors. The economy class seats have camel leather headrests with fixed side-wing for sleepers for resting their heads. The planes have been equipped with pivoting tray tables that won’t jam into passengers at all. Reversible eye masks and noise-cancelling headphones will also be provided to everyone. James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, said that the game-changing cabins are all set to bring new mood in the air.
Emirates Airline also wants to remain way ahead in the game of one-upmanship by attracting its customers with previously unheard-of in-flight perks. The airline is offering free Wi-Fi to its customers across all classes. Initially 10 MB of free data is offered and later on 600 MB additional data is provided for a token of US$1. The first class suites come with room-service buttons and “Do Not Disturb” signs. The aircrafts also have a cocktail bar for in-flight socialising, and shower cubicles with heated floors and Bulgari amenities.
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