With business travel soaring, international airlines are following suit by elevating the levels of luxury, privacy and comfort on board.
Among the global carriers in Australia, Emirates was top of the class for its first-class cabins, earning almost half of the votes from Corporate Traveller for its luxury suites and unparalleled service, followed by Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Emirates’ First Class Suites remain the benchmark for luxury, offering privacy doors, virtual windows, personal minibars and an inflight shower spa.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines’ SGD$1.1 billion (AUD$1.29 billion) investment to outfit its A350 fleet with brand-new first and business-class seats signals a strong commitment to elevating the premium travel experience.
Etihad Airways and Qantas rounded out the top five first-class airlines.
Qatar Airways dominated business class with its game-changing Qsuite, favoured by more than half of Corporate Traveller’s experts, followed by Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas and All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite includes including lie-flat beds, sliding doors for privacy and flexible configurations that cater to both solo travellers and groups.
Meanwhile, the Airbus A380 soared above the competition for long-haul travel, celebrated for its quiet cabins, spacious design and travel fatigue minimisation by more than half of Travel Managers, followed by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The Airbus A380 is a perennial favourite for long-haul travel among Corporate Traveller experts. Its double-deck configuration also enables airlines to enhance passenger experiences across all classes, offering amenities such as onboard lounges and expanded premium seating options.
The Airbus 350 and Boeing 777 aircraft completed the quartet of best long-haul aircraft operating in Australia.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said: “Our Travel Managers work closely with airlines and business travellers daily, so they know exactly where the gold standards lie.”
“Emirates’ first-class suites, complete with inflight shower spas and virtual windows, deliver a private, hotel-like experience.
“Qatar Airways’ Qsuite has redefined business class, blending luxury with functionality, while the A380 remains the long-haul favourite, offering unmatched space and quiet.
“Our experts know business travellers deserve far more than a standard seat on a plane. They deserve an experience that makes the journey as productive and enjoyable as the destination.”
Find out more at corporatetraveller.com.au
