In current times, an aircraft is nothing short of a five-star hotel with wings, says Raadia Mukadam assuring you that you can expect all the creature comforts in the world just sitting in your aircraft seat

Imagine stretching out in your seat, plugging in your laptop to finetune your presentation or tuning into your touch-screen in-flight entertainment system and ordering a cappuccino or espresso while watching a movie of your choice. Dream on, and stop the movie whenever you want to pay a visit to the washroom and freshen up. And that’s not all by far! When returning to your seat, refreshed and consumed by hunger pangs, order an a la carte meal , and enjoy it when you want to. Call home and let them know just how much fun you’re having up there. And after satisfying all culinary, refreshment and entertainment urges snap on your brushed-cotton sleeping shades and tilt back far enough to enjoy an extremely comfortable snooze. Who wants to be ground bound if air travel is this positively decadent?

There was a time when travellers sat on cane chairs inside an aircraft. Nowadays they sleep on flat beds, turn their seats around to have a face-to-face meeting or just lie back as they pick and choose from a selection of music programmes, cable channels or movies. Sitting in an aircraft, you can be as productive as you are in your office or as comfortable as you are in your living room, especially for the frequent flier. Deep Singhania, director-business development, Middle East and Far East Asia, Tata Infotech Ltd, is one such frequent flier who considers in-flight services a crucial component of his business trips. He says, "The business traveller’s itinerary is stressful and demanding. It is imperative that his flight is a pleasant experience and he gets the best on board. Exceptional service while flying business class is not unique; it is the quality of what is provided to the economy class passenger that determines the standard of in-flight services of any given airline."

And of course when we’re speaking of in-flight services we’re speaking of the holistic experience.

Food & Beverage

In-flight services play a very important role in appeasing the discerning business traveller and nothing takes the edge off a hectic day like a well prepared meal served on fine porcelain. In most airlines today most first and business class passengers enjoy in-flight a la carte meals where they can decide what they’d like to eat and also decide the sequence and time of their meals. In-flight food and wine service is getting more delectable, varied and certainly more personalised. Menus are being designed, selected and prepared with both eyes firmly fixed on the customer’s tastes. And consulting celebrity chefs and wine experts for the same is becoming common practise. But while most carriers woo the gastronomic fantasies of their first and business class passengers, few still stand out. The Emirates, first and business class is definitely fine dining all the way, though close competition follows from both Singapore Airlines and British Airways. Emirates’ lunch and dinner are seven course meals served from the trolley including a choice of three hors d’oeuvres, soup, four entrees, two desserts, five types of cheese and port, fresh fruit, freshly-brewed coffee, selection of teas and liqueurs and sweets. All meals are served on bone china tableware. Tray tables are laid out with fine linen and flower arrangements. Breakfasts comprise elaborate five-star fare and a complete range of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, including champagne and vintage port are available on board. The economy class passengers are served a complete range of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic too, although champagne is charged for. On flights over four hours, the menu includes hors d’oeuvres, salad, choice of two main courses, dessert, chocolates, tea, coffee and liqueurs. Says Roshan Abbas, chairman and managing director, Encompass, Entertainment Solutions Provider, "We have recently set up an office in the Dubai Media City which calls for a visit to Dubai almost twice a month. Being a complete foodie, Emirates is my chosen carrier not only for its proficient service but food that takes you completely by surprise making it difficult to believe that you are airbound. The Arabic coffee served just before take-off is second to none." For all of you who prefer light meals on board, you may reconsider if you’re flying Emirates.

For those who like to experiment with varied cuisines SWISS International Airlines’ regional cuisine theme changing every three months, treats passengers to a wide range of savoury cuisine from Switzerland’s distinctive geographic areas such as the Grisons, Ticino, Thurgau etc. Catering to a discerning Indian clientele, SWISS also lays much emphasis on Indian vegetarian meals.

If you’re flying SWISS first class, a flexible and spacious dining table allows you to either dine individually or invite another first class passenger to be your guest for dinner or a meeting. Says Shaikh Mohd Hasan, architect and interior designer, "I have several hospitality clients in Switzerland and my job profile warrants frequent meetings with associates. The SWISS first class suits me just fine as it does not only provide for two people to work together on flight but also facilitates joint meetings over meals. This is a huge time saving exercise helping us to approach our clients completely prepared." A la carte service in beautiful chinaware are available on both the first and business class.

Cathay Pacific’s hot pot rice and special Chinese soup for passengers in the first class are amongst my favourites only to compete with Malaysian Airlines’ ‘Satay’ (a Malaysian delicacy) which is also a must try, if you’re flying business class. If you’re a chef at heart and are flying Lufthansa, you also have access to the recipes of 42 top German chefs on their intercontinental flights to Germany.

If you do not like to leave anything to chance, Singapore Airlines’ ‘Book the Cook’ service is one of the finest advance in-flight meal ordering service that you can avail of. First introduced in 1998, the service is available to all first and Raffles class passengers. Going a step further in providing an a la carte fare to its first and business class passengers South African Airways, in its new Airbus fleet, will sport modern galleys and equipment to facilitate food preparation and service as per requirements of passengers. Economy passengers’ food orders will be taken, individually heated and served on request.

If uninterrupted sleep is a priority then opt for the ‘Express Classic’ meals like the ones served on Delta, shortly after take-off, with three courses at one time - a meal option designed to help you sleep. Air NewZealand’s ‘cuisine express’ that allows travellers to eat when they like, allowing them to work or sleep uninterrupted is also commendable.

Food is an integral part of the overall in-flight experience and if the passenger is Indian, it is almost the pivotal factor. Says Suresh Thomas, managing director, BMG Crescendo (India) Ltd, "Airlines that offer a right blend of Asian hospitality and western professionalism are rated high on the popularity charts. Catering to tastes and needs, like providing Indian cuisine on the Indian route works." Endorses Ashank Desai, managing director, Mastek Ltd, says, "I definitely look upon the availability of Indian meals on board as a bonus while flying on international airlines."

Most international carriers plying on Indian routes lay special emphasis on Indian vegetarian meals. Amongst others, China Airlines and Kenya Airways have designed special menus for the Indian sector. But when it comes to Indian fare, the Maharaja reigns supreme.

Wine plays about as important a part as food in the perfect cuisine experience. No wonder that the effort put in by airlines to select their wines is almost as extensive. Meals in first and business class are accompanied by a wine selection that compliments the cuisine. While most of the premium carriers serve a wide range of wines from different regions, Air France and Air NewZealand’s cellars can woo the most discerning sommeliers. The green island Mauritian white rum on board Air Mauritius and the Japanese beer Asahi and Kirin offered on Japan Airlines are deliciously different. Amongst hot beverages tea on Sri Lankan Airways and Air Mauritius’ special vanilla flavoured Mauritian tea are exquisite. Hot chocolate, Ovaltine and Horlicks served on Emirates’ sleeper services is the ideal nightcap for teetotalers.

Customising menus as per route specifications and catering to diverse needs of passengers has assumed priority in deciding airline menus. Depending on passenger requests, the offering of airlines ranges from Hindu meal to infant meal to non-lactose meal, diabetic meal, high-fibre meal, Kosher meals... the list is endless. Air Mauritius has introduced Jain meals on their Indian sector, while Air France has chefs from France, Japan, China, Korea, India etc. to provide regional fare. SWISS offers about 17 different types of meals, while Cathay Pacific has over 20 varieties and Emirates has a wide range of special meals (23 variations) and so do most of the other premium carriers. These meals can be ordered to meet religious and medical dietary requirements.

Lounging in the Sky

The prime issue in the battle for the business travellers’ loyalty has been space or seat-width, leg-room and the angle of incline. While seats with a 160-degree incline are more or less common place, some airlines have started converting to complete flat beds for their first-class passengers. British Airways the first to do so had other airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France, China Airlines and recently Air-India to name a few following suit.

Great news for the business class passenger is that effective winter 2003 SWISS International Airline introduces the reclining ‘lie-flat’ seats that convert into a bed 203 cm long and 60 cm wide in its first class, with large pillows for additional comfort. The SWISS business class on the other hand has one of the finest and largest individual screens. Both provide separate amenity kits for men and women on long-haul flights, complete with carefully selected La Prairie toiletries or cosmetics. The economy class sports carbon backrest seats, which give you approximately two inches more legroom with the same seat pitch. A SWISS flight can easily be called an ideal combination of quality, innovation, efficiency and care, in other words quintessentially Swiss. The flight crew embody Switzerland’s recognised flair for hospitality and just the right degree of friendly attention.

A complete Lufthansa loyalist, Prashant Kumar Mishra, managing director, Biodiesel Technologies Incorporation (I), says, "While most airlines’ first class offer superior comfort and services, Lufthansa’s first-class seats still stand out, primarily because one can create your own private area of generous dimensions. The sleeper seat with adjustable head and shoulder rests also has diverse places to stash or store your belongings, and converts easily into a bed two meters long. Laptop connection and personal video screens are some of the accessories the seat comes with."

Singapore Airlines offers a ‘turn down service’ on their new ‘SkySuites’ for passengers travelling on night flights of at least seven hours and day flights exceeding nine hours. "For a business traveller it is very vital to sleep well on flight to avoid jet lag. Singapore Airlines has perfected the art of service and its ‘turn down service’ leaves nothing to chance, not only do they offer a flat bed but also ready it up for you. When you are ready to retire for your rest, simply inform your cabin crew who then transform the seat into a bed, complete with down-filled mattress, duvet and a large pillow. This ensures that I arrive feeling fresh ready to take on the most challenging business meeting," reveals Arun Nanda, executive director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Delta is offering its passengers a sleeper-seat design which includes fully electronic controls for recline, lumbar support, leg rest extension for full leg and thigh support, a six-way adjustable headrest, and one-touch controls for ‘sleep’ and ‘land’ positions in all their ‘Business Elite Class’. The ‘sleep’ button adjusts your seat to a comfortable sleeping position with a single touch. Wings on the side of the head rest provide extra privacy and support.

When you choose first, you expect high levels of privacy, comfort and service. British Airways’ personal cabin space with a seat that converts to a 6’6" flat bed is one of the most comfortable options available. There’s even a visitor seat to provide an opportunity for meetings or sociable dining. Larger personal video screens offering a huge choice of 45 videos, plus 18 television and audio channels, in-seat laptop power and phone, pillow, duvet and complimentary sleeper suits are the privileges you would enjoy. British Airways’ ‘Club World’ is the only business class featuring a fully flat bed. Its new cabin features an armchair-style seat complete with its own footstool. At the touch of a button, the seat transforms into a six-foot, fully flat bed. The ‘World Traveller Plus’ is British Airways’ premium economy class with a separate cabin containing a maximum of five rows. The seats are wide with legroom and an adjustable head rest, leg rest and lumbar support. In-seat laptop power and individual phone and seat back video with a wide choice of in-flight entertainment are also available.

Virgin Atlantic’s new ‘Upper Class’ cabin is fun, stylish and instantly distinctive. Comfortable new sleeper seats transform into a full-length bed detailed in silver and red leather 6’8" of sleeping space, seat pitch minimum 55". Available on all night flights are full-size pillows, feather duvet and fleece blankets with stylish sleep suits. The on-board bar is well stocked. The in-flight beauty therapists have their own private treatment area complete with lap belt so passengers can enjoy treatments even during mild turbulence. This class also presents the new ‘Freedom Dining Service’, with no set meal timings, so you could eat dinner in the morning or enjoy breakfast at dinner time. Meals are prepared and cooked to order. The ‘Premuim Economy’ class also offers outstanding privileges incomparable to most other airlines. Says Suneet Goenka, managing director, Red Apple Travel Ltd (UK), "Being headquartered in London, my trips to the UK are frequent. Though I hold the Emirates and British Airways in very high esteem for great in-flight services, my experience with Virgin Atlantic has been incomparable. One rarely suffers a jetlag flying this carrier because of the total fun experience they offer. The head and neck massages that are administered are really a great help in relaxing and enjoying your flight. Flying Virgin is something I always look forward to."

Answering the business class passenger’s need for space, comfort and privacy, China Airline’s new fleet of Airbus A340s has the business class meticulously arranged, with just 14 seats, to assure more room. Lufthansa’s ergonomically optimal business class seats on long-haul flights can be adjusted for the overall height of the backrest to where it suits you by simply raising the head rests. Folding head rest ‘wings’ give your head extra support when you want to rest or sleep. The airline also serves a ‘movie snack’ during the on-screen entertainment programme.

One of the reasons why the Delta ‘Business Elite’ is popular with the business travellers is that it’s redesigned cabin provides you with a spacious seating configuration, with no middle seats translating into more personal space. These seats include 60" of pitch, adjustable head rest, leg rest and back rest, reclining up to 43cm and a full 160 deg position. Seat accessories include Delta’s battery-saving empower system for laptop computers, a personal telephone to check-in with clients, an individual reading light, an increased console space to serve as a desk area and a personal video screen. Delta tray tables are big enough to work on - and swivel to let you get out when you need to take a break.

The pivotal role connectivity plays in modern age can hardly be exaggerated. A business trip often means intense preparation followed by a series of hectic meetings and nothing can be left to chance. It is imperative that the business traveller remains connected during the flight making the Internet and telephone connection indispensable. SWISS’ long-haul aircraft are all equipped with telephones for passengers’ personal use, while the first and business class are equipped with telephones at every seat, in addition to the availability of laptop power and power adaptor cables. Another feature of their first and business class on the Airbus A330 aircraft is the use of the personal screen and handset to send short messages to any mobile phone, e-mail or fax address world wide. Electrical power outlets for laptop use are also installed. A special airplane adapter cable compatible with a 15 volt DG hypertronic socket is however required. You can buy your Targus PA350E Universal connector cable on board the SWISS aircraft. If you don’t have your own cable with you, a cable may be available with the flight attendant.

Similarly, the highly technocrat Emirates, in addition to the availability of laptop power and power adapter cables, has its first and business class also equipped with telephones at every seat. Like SWISS, even the Emirates’ first and business class offers a personal screen and handset to send short messages to any mobile phone, e-mail or fax address world wide. Seat-to-seat in-flight telephone service (all A330s and most 777s) enabling in-seat conversation between passengers seated in different class cabins or in different areas of the same cabin is also available on Emirates.

In-Flight Entertainment & Infotainment

Most airlines today enable you to watch the latest movie release on personal video screens or browse audio channels for the music that fits your mood. You can relax with your personal in-seat entertainment system or watch some newly released movies, movie classics, sitcoms or business and sport news. On every flight with an Airbus aircraft you can track the progress of your trip on an animated map on the overhead screens. The map also gives you other information such as the remaining time to destination, ground speed and outside air temperature.

For those of you who prefer to catch up on reading newspapers and business magazines, SWISS offers a wide selection of newspapers and magazines dedicated to world events, business news and lifestyle issues. You will also find the latest BBC World News on video on weekdays and hourly updated text news on A330 aircraft. For flights arriving in Zurich and Geneva, connecting gate information is shown for transfer passengers, as is the exact location of the baggage reclaim belt where you can pick up your luggage.

The SWISS in-flight entertainment presents a choice of films in several languages with a range of nine films to choose from in the business class. This is coupled with 16 music channels designed to satisfy every musical taste. But the icing on the cake are the interactive games up for grabs, don’t forget to test your general knowledge skills with the ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ game.

Cathay Pacific has launched StudioCX built around three basic elements: entertainment, communication, and information. What they offer includes the introduction of noise cancelling headsets allowing passengers to enjoy new music channels, television shows and movies with crystal clear audio. Audio and Video On Demand (AVOD) is yet another installation allowing passengers to select the movie they want to watch whenever they want to watch it with superior digital Having secured a number of on-board industry firsts since it launch in 1985, Emirates sill provides one of the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art audio-visual services in the skies. Says Pooja Shetty, managing director, IMAX Adlabs Theatre, "Being in the entertainment business it is really important for me to fly a carrier that offers me a plethora of entertainment options. Emirates is by far my best bet, because not only do I have access to a host of music and television channels, but also innumerable games. A frequently updated video library of up to 50 titles is also available if you are flying first and business class. That way I can catch up on several movies that I had earmarked to be seen but had not done so for the sheer lack of time." Up to 14 interactive games include the ‘Noughts and Crosses’, ‘Tetrix’, ‘Reversi’, ‘Backgammon’ etc.

The all important business travellers are being pampered simply silly by new age airlines that are even willing to cater to your individual needs. So don’t fuss the next time you need to cut across the globe to seal a deal, now you don’t even need to sacrifice your beauty sleep to do that, just hop on to a late night flight and wake up radiant to start a new day in a new country. Bon Voyage! Enjoy your flight!