In the golden years of aviation, it was all about service. If you thought those experiences of yesteryear went by the wayside, Brussels Airlines will surprise you with its new long-haul aircraft design and service. The Belgian airline has recreated the ultimate travel experience on its intercontinental A330 flights, making it more personal and intimate.
Huge investment to improve services
Brussels Airlines invested 10 million euro on each of its long-haul aircraft to transform business class, premium and economy class services. The concept is to create a boutique hotel feel at 30,000 feet. Think personal service, luxurious design and Belgian hospitality.
The new look, created by JPA Design, pays homage to Belgian design. The A330 cabin interior was inspired by Belgian Art Nouveau and Victor Horta. The scene is set as soon as you enter the boarding area with elegant Art Nouveau dome lighting.
Comfy seats feature a rich, three-dimensional fabric inspired by famous Belgian designers like Dries Van Noten. The carpet pattern is inspired by the vault design of Antwerp’s historic Central Station while famous Belgian designers like Dries Van Noten were the inspiration for seat fabric design.
Star cuisine with star chef
Belgian cuisine plays a major role in the experience. A Belgian Star chef designs every business class menu on long-haul flights. This year, Thierry They from Nuance restaurant is the star behind the cuisine.
Did you say Belgian beers — and chocolate?
And what would Belgium be without its world-class beers and chocolate? On Brussels Airlines, business class travellers can immerse themselves in the country’s cafe culture with a selection of eight Belgian beers, as well as Belgian wines and Neuhaus chocolates. Accompanying a four-course gastronomic meal are international wines and Laurent Perrier champagne selected by Master of Wine Fiona Morrison. But that’s not all. You’ll even find a Belgian walk-up bar on board. The bar, just behind the Business Class cabin, is a great place to try those Belgian beers and chat with other travellers.
Discover Brussels Airlines’ hotel in the air
“The experience delivered by the finest boutique hotels has been the source of inspiration for our new Intercontinental Business Class,” says CEO Christine Foerster. “We want to be the most personal airline, give a personal service to every guest and offer everyone the warm hospitality Belgium is known for. And that is exactly the essence of a boutique hotel, offering a world-class service in a small scale environment. The comparison of our aircraft – especially on the long haul – with a boutique hotel makes a lot of sense.”
Better business class
Business class is cozy with only 30 seats, and seats are staggered. This helps maintain the intimate travel setting with privacy for every seat. Travellers can select a single seat or, if traveling with a companion, a double seat.
The new business seat can be converted to a lounge sofa or a full, flat bed with adjustable softness levels. Are you thinking about those pleasant dreams already? Entertainment is upgraded with a 15.6-inch high-definition TV screen and noise-cancelling headphones.
Premium economy and economy are upgraded, too. Watch for details on Travel Update – Boarding Area. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and take a peak at the hotel in the air.
The reconfigured A330s will roll out in April 2019.
Okay. So this is a fine reproduction of corporate PR.
But from a blogger, I would expect a bit more journalistic work. Which would come out something like this:
“Brussels Airlines is following Lufthansa Group siblings Austrian and Swiss in installing exactly the same Business Class seat, further standardizing and harmonizing the experience across the group. As always, carriers get to do some non-material design customizations to add a local touch. Brussels Airlines also adds a Premium Economy class, maximizing the aircraft’s revenue potential by giving travellers another opportunity to buy up from ever-more miserable regular Economy”.
It would also be helpful to state (I think you implied) the biz cabin is 1-2-1.
And helpful to know destinations (esp US, if that’s the target).
But thanks, the new A330 looks awesome.
It will not be 1-2-1 but will alternate 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 config due to it having a staggered throne seat on the left of the cabin.