GARUDA INDONESIA
AVAILABILITY B777-300ER
WIDTH 22-inches
PITCH 82-inches
RECLINE 180 degrees
ABOUT THE SEAT Garuda has definitely upped the ante with its first class product on the new B777-300ER aircraft, which will plough the Jakarta –Amsterdam – London route. Featuring an ergonomic seat in an enclosed suite environment with sliding doors, privacy is guaranteed. The full-flat seat also offers a hidden table for dining, a 23.5-inch touch screen LCD, personal wardrobe and storage, and adjustable dividers for middle suites that allow for conversation (or not) among passengers.
ABOUT THE SERVICE The Garuda first class journey starts with a complimentary limousine pick-up service that’ll take you to the airport (available at selected Indonesian airports only). Once there, you’ll be checked-in by your personal concierge who will then escort you to the first class lounge. Once airborne, look forward to premium amenity kits from Loewe, loungewear for both men and women, and meals featuring Indonesian and international favourites freshly prepared by dedicated chefs on-board. How better to enjoy Balinese babi guling (suckling pig) or krengseng lamb ribs (grilled lamb served with Javanese sauce) than at 30,000ft?
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
AVAILABILITY A380-800 (Upcoming)
SEAT WIDTH 30-inches
LENGTH OF BED 80.5-inch
ABOUT THE SEAT Now this one’s special. The 30-inch wide reclining lounge seat doesn’t actually convert into a bed. Blasphemous, isn’t it? In first class?! Well, we’re not talking about just any first class here. We’re talking about Etihad’s new ‘first apartment’. Yes, you’ve heard right, you get a whole apartment to yourself. The mini-suite features above-said lounge chair with separate ottoman that opens up into an 80.5-inch long bed. Etihad’s revolutionary first class product comes equipped with a 24-inch flat screen TV, which can be adjusted in order for you to view it from both the armchair or in bed. There's also a vanity cabinet for you to store your belongings, a chilled drinks cabinet and a wardrobe.
ABOUT THE SERVICE Chauffeur service is offered at over 30 cities, and guests enjoy complimentary spa treatments at the carrier’s Abu Dhabi base. When in the air, passengers can choose from four Etihad dining options - Mezoon Grille, Taste of Arabia, Anytime Kitchen and a la carte. The gentlemen among us will also receive a cufflink box, while the ladies will love (or not) the bling of their new Swarovski Elements cosmetic purse. Both kits come with La Prairie skin care products – oh la la, fancy fancy.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
AVAILABILITY B777-300ER
WIDTH 35-inch
PITCH 82-inch
RECLINE 180 degrees
ABOUT THE SEAT With a fixed-back shell design that comes with curved side panels, SIA’s newest first class product aims to maximise personal space for added privacy. Seat back cushions have been specially designed to provide better lumbar support, and an additional mattress topper is added when you want some shut-eye. For the film buffs among us, a 24-inch LCD screen offers the full 1080pixel HD experience, bolstered by Bose’s QuietComfort 15 noise-cancelling headphones and the airline’s own Krisworld entertainment system. USB and HDMI ports are also available for charging and streaming of your own entertainment content.
ABOUT THE SERVICE There’s a reason why the very image of the Singapore Girl still represents exceptional quality in service – SIA continues to set the bar high and first class is perhaps most indicative of this. Imagine Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, Krug and caviar throughout. Not too shabby, is it? Far less exciting but useful anyways, first class passengers now get more checked baggage allowance than ever. Non-cardholders get 50kg, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold customers 70kg, and PPS Club members get a whopping 100kg! Anybody planning on moving soon?
AMERICAN AIRLINES
AVAILABILITY B777-300ER
WIDTH 30-inches
PITCH 78-inches
RECLINE 180 degrees
ABOUT THE SEAT AA’s new first class seat is an entirely original design developed by the airline itself. A unique feature of the design is the seat’s ability to swivel. With a 90-degree turn, the seat becomes a workstation aided by a flip-open table attached to the side of the seat. Another nifty option is the “do not disturb” switch that can be activated via the mini control system also used to navigate the 17-inch touchscreen monitor. Naturally, the usual bells and whistles such as reading lights, storage compartments and charging capabilities are also provided.
ABOUT THE SERVICE Who said US-based carriers couldn’t compete with its Asian counterparts in terms of service? First class passengers have access to an on-board walk-up bar that AA stocks with an assortment of snacks, sandwiches and sweets throughout each flight for premium passengers to enjoy. In addition, amenity kits with Dermalogica skincare products, PJs, and exclusive inflight wine tastings are among the perks available for all you lucky first classers.
ASIANA AIRLINES
AVAILABILITY B777-200ER
WIDTH 25.2-inches
PITCH 81-inches
RECLINE 180 degrees
ABOUT THE SEAT Asiana’s first suite class suite features two sliding doors, providing absolute privacy if desired. A super-sized 32-inch TV screen displaying the latest audiovisual content ensures non-stop entertainment. The seat naturally converts into a bed and it just so happens that Asiana’s is the longest in the skies at 2.10m. Tall travellers, book Asiana now – help is in sight!
ABOUT THE SERVICE Asiana’s onboard service is notoriously good. Expect attendants that go completely out of their way to make your journey a memorable one. For those of you who can be bothered to reserve your meals in advance, choose from one of ten Korean menus available on long distance flights between Seoul and the Americas and Europe. Bvlgari-branded amenity kits are provided.
Dominic Sebastian Lalk and Clement Huang
