But what’s on offer, and how does it compare to the halcyon glamour days of flying before you had to take your shoes off at the airport? I’ve had a look, and I have to say, I think earlier generations of rich people had it better for all its tech bells and whistles.
Lufthansa’s EXPLORER flying hotel
Lufthansa has created your very own personal “flying hotel” to provide you with all comforts and amenities that you can expect from a five-star hotel on the ground. The design owes its genesis to the superyacht (otherwise known as a large and luxurious pleasure vessel). The company invites you to: Even better, each design is modular: — Yep, you could bring your car on a plane, folks.
Cream leather, really?
But there’s way too much cream leather for my liking. Surely you’d just slide right off one of those seats when you hit turbulence? I prefer this old-school style with cushions you can sink into.
The window to roof projector seems a bit meh
The plane includes a large-scale integrated projection system for virtual content, extending from the windows to the ceiling in the multifunctional lounge area. You can even make it simulate a disco – but, that looks like a pretty dull party to me, even if the plane comes with its very own DJ. I think this is more my kind of party: At least in the days before we relied on digital devices for our in-flight entertainment, we could spend our plane time flirting and drinking.
Where’s the bedroom?
Surely, we can agree, the best part of a private plane would be the ability to lie flat in a bed? But, beds aren’t configured into the original EXPLORER design from what we can see. Weird. Even these in-flight beds of yesteryear look pretty chill:
But the plane veranda is cool
If you want bizarre, part of the plane where the plane opens to a veranda. So you can stand around waiting for a president or something.
Despite private planes getting a ribbing at COP26, the industry is thriving
Wieland Timm is Head of sales at VIP and Special Mission Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. He told Aerotime that the VIP division’s revenue has increased over the last three years with extra staffing: I think I’ve clarified that I like my flying green. But I’m also a hypocrite when it comes to flying. Sorry, but I do like the idea of being able to lie flat instead of seated (by the third flight and 25th hour I’d sell my cat to lie flat), and being served cocktails and super fancy food will never not appeal. We can look forward to more info about this luxury design at the upcoming Dubai air show.
