While many airlines are eliminating first-class cabins, some European carriers are investing more heavily in luxury cabins. Oman Air, for example, has announced it is removing first-class cabins altogether and introducing a new Business Studio cabin. This move follows similar decisions made by airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Air New Zealand, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. The appeal of getting rid of first class is attributed to the evolving standards of business class, which now offer amenities that rival those found in first-class cabins. Despite this shift, Oman Air’s Business Studio will not replace traditional business class seats but will offer a more luxurious option at a slightly lower price point.
The distinction between first class and business class has become less significant in the eyes of many passengers, particularly on long-haul international flights where lie-flat beds and private pods are standard features. Virgin Atlantic, for example, has introduced new services such as ‘The Booth’, a semi-private space for two passengers, to enhance its first-class offering. The airline has also focused on additional amenities like wine tasting experiences and private dinners to cater to high-end travelers. While first-class offerings have diminished among US carriers, Virgin Atlantic, along with airlines in Europe like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France, have maintained and even improved their first-class cabins in recent years.
Virgin Atlantic’s ‘upper class’ offering includes exclusive spaces like ‘The Bar’ and ‘The Loft’ on select aircraft, providing a unique and luxurious experience for passengers. In contrast, Air France has introduced new ‘La Première’ cabins with spacious individual suites featuring multiple windows, large TV screens, and modular living spaces for added comfort and privacy. Lufthansa has also upgraded its first-class cabins with ‘Allegris’ suites that offer double-spaced cabins with high walls, a large table, and convertible seats into a double bed. These airlines are investing in first class to create a more exclusive and premium experience for passengers, making it clear that first class is not disappearing anytime soon.
The trend towards eliminating first-class cabins and enhancing business class offerings has been ongoing since 2000 when British Airways first introduced lie-flat beds in business class. This shift has led many airlines to focus on improving the amenities and services available to business class passengers, narrowing the quality gap between business and first class. Oman Air’s Business Studio cabins, while more expensive than traditional business class seats, offer a high-end experience at a slightly lower price point than first class. The move towards more luxurious business class options reflects the changing demands and expectations of today’s travelers.
While some airlines are moving away from offering first-class cabins, others like Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France are doubling down on their commitment to providing premium first-class experiences. The introduction of innovative services and amenities, such as semi-private spaces, wine tasting experiences, and modular living spaces, aims to differentiate their first-class offerings and attract high-end travelers. By investing in first class and continually improving their amenities, these airlines are ensuring that the exclusive and luxurious experience of first class remains a prominent feature of air travel in the coming years.