Does first class have a future?

With ongoing improvements in business, first class needs to outdo itself to survive

WORDS CHRIS CHAMBERLIN

Some might consider the mid-20th century as the real “golden era” of travel, when jet aircraft came to the fore. With the launch of the Boeing 747, high-flying passengers could leave their seats to explore sizeable onboard bars and lounges. But despite the era’s glitz and glamour, one reality remained true: flying first class across oceans still meant merely reclining in a seat – not lying down. Over time, first class evolved from that comfortable chair into a bed. In the early stages, there was little focus on privacy. The very novelty of having a bed in the sky was a drawcard, with no need for sliding doors or showers. Meanwhile, business class made its grand debut back in 1970, but it wasn’t until 2000 that an airline dared put a bed…

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Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition (Digital) - 1 Issue, May - June 2024

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