I answered these questions and more during my Live interview with CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange today. I’m sharing the 5 min interview video below and would love to hear your thoughts on my take. (Click here if you cannot view the video)

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Emirates Airlines First Class

First available on its A340-500, Emirates’ suites presented a novel idea of flying – enclosing the passenger with a door to create ultimate privacy. Although the seat is smaller and narrower compared to the newer SIA’s suites, Emirates’ suites are more elaborately furnished and still one of the world’s finest way to fly. Emirates wins my applause in providing showers for First Class passengers on-board their A380. Safety issues aside, I cannot recall how many times I had wanted a shower on a long flight before I settle down to sleep. A novelty with a strong dose of practicality – one of the few things rarely seen from Emirates in these days. Privacy: 9/10, Space: 7/10, Novelty: 9/10

Smaller but very tastefully decorated private suites on Emirates

Singapore Airlines First Class Suites

Available only on the A380, the Singapore Airlines Suites are slightly wider and larger than Emirates’, the pioneer to a room-suite seating concept on a major commercial airline. The 35in-wide seat transforms into a 27in by 78in bed. The ultra rich can opt to book one of the two pairs of adjacent suites and transform a pair of suites into a huge room with a double bed. The doors, however, are translucent and do not extend to the ceiling.  Privacy: 8/10, Space: 9/10, Novelty: 9/10

Japan Airlines

International First Class on Japan Airlines is a novel concept. The seat is not particularly stunning on paper – measuring a mere 26in-wide with a 79in pitch, transformable to a flat bed. The novelty, however, lies in the seat layout. Japan Airlines have arranged for a unbelievable 1-1-1 arrangement on the wide cabin of 777, which puts Singapore Airlines’ new First Class to shame. This creates a huge expanse of space for the passenger and the feeling of utter exclusiveness. Using loads of space to create privacy in turn – is an art onboard JAL. Privacy: 7/10, Space: 10/10, Novelty: 8/10

The vast expanse of space onboard JAL’s First Class

Cathay Pacific First Class

Like Japan Airlines, Cathay offers a whopping 1-1-1 seating on its 777-300ER. The seat, at 36in, is even wider than SIA’s suites. Despite the seat being much larger than JAL’s, Cathay traded privacy for the sense of spaciousness that is so artistically presented by JAL. Nevertheless it is still a show of pulling out all the stops in defining today’s luxury flying. Cathay Pacific’s first class seats also come with massage capabilities and the seat gently converts to a chaise lounge as well as a totally flat bed. Privacy: 7/10, Space: 9/10, Novelty: 7/10

Cathay Pacific First Class with massaging seats

Which are your favorite First Class products? What about US and European carriers? Would service matter more or products is supreme when it comes to First Class? What do you think? Let’s discuss…

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AirAsia is offering assistance to facilitate the transportation of aid to cyclone-ravaged Myanmar, including sponsoring flights for aid workers and freeing up cargo space for aid materials, a Bangkok Post article mentions. Even Bangkok Airways has stepped up and offered relief flights from Thailand to Myanmar, former being the primary entry point to the military-governed nation.

AirAsia has demonstrated true personality here by showing that it cares too. This act alone gives a human face to the airline and will be remembered by customers for a long time to come. It is actions like these that makes a company, not just an airline, stand out. It reflects agility on the airline’s part as well. Especially so, if regional giants like Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways are keeping mum.

This is not the first time an airline in the region is playing a pro-active role in relief efforts. In late 2007, Japan Airlines provided from Japan free transport of relief goods and aid personnel bound for Bangladesh following the Cyclone Sidr.

Airlines need to think beyond merely allowing customers to donate excess miles to charity. It is act like these, in real times of need, which show true character and build the backbone for a strong brand. Airlines that show that they have a heart often tend to rule the hearts of the their customers as well.

Update:
May 13, 2008: Thai Airways is now offering free transport for relief goods to Myanmar…wonder if they read this blog post =p

Ponder that!

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