Passengers travelling between Tokyo and Los Angeles on American Airlines got the option of flying in a first class cabin from June 6 this year after the US carrier switched the metal from a three-class B787-9 Dreamliner to a four-class B777-300ER.
For now, the first class cabin is only set to be available until October 27, but an American Airlines executive has told Business Traveller Asia-Pacific that “all signs look positive” for extending the service beyond that date.
“At this stage we do not plan to extend the 777-300ER service beyond October 27, but this is of course under review. All signs look positive at this stage,” said Shane Hodges, vice president, Asia Pacific at American Airlines.
He added: “Feedback from customers – many of whom who have experienced our Flagship First suite and service for the first time, has been fantastic. We’re seeing increased demand for both Flagship First and Flagship Business on this important business route. And this is what we were hoping for. We will see how the rest of the peak season pans about before making a decision.”
The introduction of the Flagship First product means passengers can access American Airlines’ 1,347 sqm Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International airport. The lounge includes a Flagship First dining area, for a full service table-side dining experience, with dishes including the Flagship burger, and cocktails designed by New York mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer.
Flagship First passengers also get access to their own TSA and customs screening before departure and after international arrival. As an add-on product, these passengers can also book a Blade helicopter transfer from the airport.
With this product, American Airlines seems to be targeting customers who are more accustomed to flying private.
“Customers enjoy the exclusive experience First gives them – the privacy of the ground and air experience is really the closest thing to flying in a corporate jet,” Hodges said…
Imagen: BusinessTraveller
