What does it take to bring comfort to the skies as air travel rebounds? The 21 finalists for the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards offer insight into what it will take to to make air travel more safe, connected and comfortable.
business class
Etihad upgrades Business Studio for new 787s, adds Viasat internet
Etihad will launch an updated version of its Business Studio seat on the 787 Dreamliner fleet beginning later this year. Suite doors are included, as is inflight internet from Viasat.
flyDubai introduces Business Suite lie-flat for 737 MAX
flyDubai has renewed its commitment to the premium cabin experience with “The Business Suite,” a new flat-bed “offering passengers added comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience.”
Finnair trims inflight services in cost-cutting push
Finnair’s “shortcut” connection between Europe and the far east via Helsinki is no longer compelling and it has scrambled to rebuild its operations given the new normal. That now includes cuts to the inflight catering, including a switch to buy-on-board for the second meal on two long-haul routes.
Crystal Cabin Awards short list: 80+ designs that will change the way you fly
More than 80 companies and products are set to compete for top honors at the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards, highlighting new an innovative solutions that will change the passenger experience in the years ahead.
Qantas refines its first class suites for Project Sunrise A350s
We’re still nearly three years away from service launching, but Qantas continues to tease out how it plans to make 20+ hours on board comfortable for passengers flying on its longest routes.
Air China launches new A350 business class cabin
An updated business class cabin is now flying with Air China. The carrier’s newest A350 has the Recaro CL6720 business class “minisuite” on board, offering increased privacy for passengers.
Korean Air speaks a new design language with A321neo launch
It’s out with the blue and in with the new as Korean Air revealed an updated cabin design for its Airbus A321neo fleet.
Stelia Rendez-Vous brings new flat-bed option to business class
Airlines have another flat-bed option to choose from, as Stelia Aerospace launches the RENDEZ-VOUS® business class seat to the market. The company calls it one of the widest beds on offer, and it includes an option for the center pair of seats to function as a double bed on board.
American launches Flagship Suites, retires Flagship First
Flagship First Class is dead. Long live the Flagship Suite. American Airlines will introduce a new Flagship Suite seat to its long haul fleet from 2024. With that move, the carrier’s Flagship First class cabin will be no more.