With British Airways set to announce its new Club World cabin on Monday (due to feature video on demand for the airline’s whole long-haul fleet), Forbes has picked the best business and first class offerings for 2006.
Virgin Atlantic was ranked number one for business class. The airline’s Upper Class product was judged to be “a sexy take on the business class experience”, which includes chauffeured transfers and on-board bars.
British Airways finished second in this category. Forbes liked the customisable experience in BA, as well as extras such as seat telephones and a wide choice of channels on the entertainment system. South African Airways rounded out the top three for business class.
Forbes picked Cathay Pacific as the year’s best carrier for first class. Enjoying its 60th anniversary this year, the Hong Kong-based airline has improved its premier cabin with bigger TV screens, seats with massage capability and personal closets.
In second place was Emirates, whose first class includes seven-course meals served on Royal Doulton bone china. Singapore Airlines was third, with extras such as noise reduction headsets and Givenchy amenties as standard.
First class passengers travelling Malaysia Airlines, which finished eighth, get a helicopter transfer to the airport and onboard faxing facilities.
British Airways placed ninth, with Anya Hindmarch-designed toiletry bags and a cabin that has been designed to resemble a Rolls Royce.
See the full results on Forbes.com: Best Business Class 2006 and Best First Class 2006.
