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Video : A330neo – Upper Class
This shouldn ’ t be a problem for executives , he adds , given the work airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and KLM have put into enhancing their business class offering .
“ It ’ s becoming increasingly difficult for executives to justify a first-class ticket ,” Bensel continues .
“ Flat-bed seating used to be one of the main reasons to argue for first class on intercontinental flights . High net-worth customers are looking for privacy ; well-off leisure travellers want a great experience . Modern business class is trying to offer all the above .”
Will first class bounce back ? It ’ s difficult to imagine a world where that classic , transatlantic business route between London and New York no longer offers a first class option .
In truth , though , a ‘ first-class ’ service will likely always exist in nature , even if airlines are advertising it under a different name .
While COVID-19 led to a boom in private aviation , this trend carries with it the potential for plenty of negative press in today ’ s environmentally-aware society . There remains a chance , therefore , that we could see highprofile figures reverting back to first class travel in the coming years .
“ If more airlines that offer first class can recreate the ‘ executive jet experience ’,” adds Huttner , “ the more likely they are to get a portion of significant figureheads and highprofile individuals back on scheduled flights .
“ The glamour and convenience of walking off your own private jet now comes with greater PR risk for individuals concerned about their public image , so an elevated firstclass experience could be the answer .”
Bensel adds that there will always be a market for exclusive travel options , with the difference in future being that airlines will offer a more tailored service which improves the experience on the ground . In the air , carriers will continue to innovate when it comes to seating , catering and entertainment , as they always have done .
The reality is that the discerning business traveller will always be able to sniff out a firstclass experience if they really want it .
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