There’s an exciting new ‘business class plus’ cabin on an airline you’ve probably never heard of
Gone are the days when airlines invested in exclusive first-class cabins.
Although some international airlines still committed to providing first class In key business and leisure markets, most carriers focus instead on business class.
And, as airlines roll out cutting-edge products for business class, a new cabin class is emerging, often referred to as “business plus”.
These products typically occupy the first row of the cabin and provide additional space, storage, and amenities that take advantage of the bulkhead’s unique configuration. Although JetBlue was one of the first to popularize the concept with Introducing Mint Studioseveral airlines have revealed something similar.
And, the newest airline to jump into the “business class plus” bandwagon is one that might surprise you. German entertainment carrier Condor officially launched on Monday what it calls “Premium Seats,” which offers business class service.
Located in the front row of Condor’s all-new Airbus A330-900neo, you’ll find four Prime Seats that are more spacious and offer even more comfort than the remaining 26 seats in business class.
First, these chairs have no legroom. Instead, they have an open area for you to rest your feet, helping you have a more comfortable sleep.
If you’re traveling with a travel companion, the padded couch even acts as a friend’s chair, meaning you can dine with loved ones or collaborate with colleagues during the trip. fly.
These seats also have a larger tray table than you’ll find in other business class cabins.
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Every seat on Condor’s A330neo has a 4K entertainment screen that supports Bluetooth wireless, but the Main Seat seats are the largest on the plane: 24 inches compared to 17.3 inches in business class and 13.3 inches. inches in premium economy and passenger cars.
Prime seats in between, 1E and 1F, are ideal for couples. While they don’t convert into double beds or offer sliding doors, they offer incredible privacy from the rest of the cabin.
Plus, the lack of storage above these chairs makes them feel more spacious.
Rest assured that there is a large privacy divider that can be deployed from between the two center seats if needed.
Meanwhile, the two Main Window Seats, 2A and 2K, are ideal for solo passengers. They have all the same upgrades you’ll find in the center seat, plus they offer a main view with access to two windows.
Aside from the aforementioned “hard product” improvements, Prime Seats are identical to the rest of the business class cabins, all with a stunning new design.
That said, Condor is launching an enhanced service offering for the Main Seat. This includes upgraded ceremonial suits, pajamas, slippers and premium snack baskets.
Suffice it to say, if you’re looking for the best way to travel with Condor, flying in a Priority Seat is the way to go.
In fact, I just flew from Frankfurt to New York on Condor’s inaugural A330neo flight to the US and was assigned a Prime Class seat by the airline’s PR team. (I went on a free ticket provided by the airline.)
While the full trip report will be published soon, I landed in New York extremely impressed with the new Main Seat. It may not be as spacious as JetBlue Mint Studio or Virgin Atlantic Resort Suitebut it sure is an incredible way to cross the pond.
Some people may even prefer Condor’s Master Seat to Virgin’s Suite Retreat. UK based service provider installs only two business class seats on the A330neo and they don’t come with all the extra amenities you’d find on Condor.
To reserve a Master Seat, you will first need to be issued a Condor business class ticket on the A330neo. Condor flies to 16 seasonal North American destinations (four of which operate year-round) and you’ll see the A330neo flying on all of its long-haul flights by 2024.
Condor’s introductory business class fares start at $949 one-way, and Prime Class upgrades will be added to the regular business class fare.
Prime seats will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, February 15, and will start at 199 euros (or about $215) each way. That seat assignment fee will be higher than any cost to book a ticket in business class.
Note that Condor Premium Seats will launch as a “light launch,” as the carrier works to overcome supply chain delays to get additional on-board amenities. The first flight doesn’t have an upgraded amenity suite, so be aware that the experience over the next few weeks may not be quite up to the brand’s standards.
Condor is in the midst of a conversion project that includes a bold new paint color and the introduction of 18 modern, fuel-efficient Airbus A330-900neos. These jets feature brand new cabin from nose to tail, bringing major improvements to the passenger experience.
Perhaps the most exciting innovation for passengers, though, is the introduction of the new Main Seat, so stay tuned for the full rundown of what it feels like to sit in one of them on the inaugural flight. A330neo to USA
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