Aer Lingus Introduces New Business Class
Joe Cortez October 23, 2014
The new Aer Lingus Business Class will debut on A330s in January 2015 and feature lie-flat seats, new dining options and interiors reflecting modern Irish culture.
Aer Lingus flyers will soon be treated to a proper Irish experience at 30,000 feet. During a ceremony held Wednesday at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, the Irish flag carrier announced the vision for its new Business Class.
According to Independent.ie, the new Business Class will roll out on Aer Lingus’ Airbus A330 aircraft starting in January 2015. Fabric for the seats, carpets and curtains are made Botany Weaving, a Dublin-based company specializing in transportation interiors. The company was selected by Aer Lingus not only for its quality products and reputation, but also to reflect Ireland’s weaving heritage.
The new seats in Business Class offer a number of unique features, including universal power outlets, USB sockets, a 16-inch in-flight entertainment screen and built-in massage functions. Once airborne, the seats easily convert into 6-foot-6 flatbeds.
In-flight meal offerings will reflect both traditional and modern Irish cuisine. The menu, which will rotate seasonally, is set to feature dishes from top restaurants across the country. In addition, those flying east from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) will have the opportunity to pre-dine in the carrier’s lounge, so that they may sleep undisturbed while en route to Dublin Airport (DUB).
“Our long haul business has grown at record pace over the past two years,” Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller said during Wednesday’s press event. “Now, we are delighted to upgrade our entire business class experience, offering our guests an excellent environment to work, to relax, to dine and to sleep.”
The new Business Class will be available on direct flights between DUB and JFK, BOS, O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Orlando International Airport (MCO) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Dedicated check-in desks and Fast Track security will be available at all airports, with U.S. Customs pre-clearance available at DUB.
[Photo: The Aer Lingus Blog]
So I booked two BUSINESS class seats on Aer Lingus Flight 124 from Chicago to Dublin. Want to pick my seats? "Well, sir, yes. Just pay us 69.99 euros each for the privilege. "Am I outraged? You bet. What a low-class outfit.
I truly like the idea of passengers being able to “Pre-Dine” in the carrier’s airport lounge prior to departure; thus allowing said passengers to sleep in-flight without the interruption of a meal service. However, I hope that the lounge meal is different from what is served in-flight – my reasoning being that the recipes of dishes served at altitude are crafted specifically to accommodate the physiological dampening of olfactory and gustatory perception (smell and taste) and will probably taste strange when eaten at ground level. Perhaps someone on FT who flies Aer Lingus to DUB will know the answer and post a comment here.