Centurion United Kingdom Autumn 2014

BLACKBOOK IN THE SKY UP,

BLACKBOOK IN THE SKY UP, UP AND AWAY From new cabins and suites to revolutionary on-the-ground hospitality, the latest developments aloft starting with happenings in the world of private aviation HIGH ASPIRATIONS BUSINESS BAR NONE Upping the exclusivity ante in the race to capture the elite and premium passenger, Qatar Airways has launched an elegant all-business class flight aboard an Airbus A319 single-aisle aircraft, connecting London to its new hub in Doha, the just-unveiled Hamad International Airport. Dubbed Business One, the service is the airline’s sixth into Heathrow daily; it features just 40 stitched leather seats, converting into flatbeds, in a commodious 2-2 angled configuration, affording privacy and plenty of space (opt for seats in rows 1 or 5, which afford a tad more of the latter). There is also the usual assortment of endless in-flight entertainment options (in this instance more than 1,000 movies, music and videos), OnAir mobile services, gourmet cuisine and top-shelf champagnes, wines and spirits. Passengers, who are kitted out with sleep suits and Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits, will most appreciate the level of personalised service (they are looked after by no fewer than eight cabin crew) and the private jet-like ambience, furthered on landing by Qatar’s superb ground handling. qatarairways.com Bell 505 Eclipse 550 Cessna CJ3+ Bombadier 350 With an increased wingspan of 21m – thanks to the introduction of winglets – and taller windows, allowing more light into the spacious cabin, the Bombadier Challenger 350 has upscaled in many ways on previous incarnations. businessaircraft.bombardier.com Unveiled in May, Dassault Falcon’s 8X boasts the longest cabin of any of the French company’s jets – just shy of 13m – and an ultra-long range expected to be in excess of 11,900km. First deliveries are due in 2016. dassaultfalcon.com Airbus is simplifying interiors with its new ACJ319 Elegance. The aircraft comes with an off-the-shelf design for its 24m cabin, which includes a bedroom with ensuite bathroom. A cinema lounge is also among the predesigned modules. airbuscorporatejets.com Efficiency is the watchword for the just-launched Eclipse 550, a twin-engine jet that can fly LOUNGE TALK AIRSIDE RETREATS to an altitude of 12,500m and has a cruising speed of up to 690km/h, yet is easy going on fuel consumption, using just 49 gallons per hour. eclipse.aero Size matters for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, which after customer feedback will feature a bigger cabin and double doors for easy loading. The shortlight single-engine helicopter can travel more than 650km nonstop at a cruising speed of 230km/h. bell505.com The first jet in its class to utilise fly-by-wire controls, the Embraer Legacy 450 promises a smoother, more natural flight. The Brazilian firm’s light midsize model has a range of around 4,600km. embraerexecutivejets.com An update on its CJ3 singlepilot jet, Cessna’s ninepassenger CJ3+ benefits from improved Garmin G3000 avionics, with boosted wifi and high-speed internet capabilities for surfing in the sky. cessna.com Premium passengers looking for comfort and quietude now have a few more lounges globally to choose from. Etihad (etihad.com) has debuted its first retreat in Australia – a wood-decked haven in Sydney with plush leather armchairs, work stations and even a dedicated children’s play area. Finnair (finnair.com), meanwhile, has done something no other airline has previously attempted by placing a Finnish sauna in its recently unveiled Premium Lounge (above) at the airline’s hub in Helsinki. Those flying with Japan Airlines (jal.com) from Tokyo can pass the time amid the calming natural tones of the revamped Sakura Lounge and the new Sky View Lounge at Haneda Airport. At Heathrow’s Terminal 2: the Queen’s Terminal, United Airlines (united.com) has introduced a regal touch with its newly opened United Global First and United Club lounges. The centrepiece of the former’s tea PHOTOS FROM TOP LEFT: © QATAR AIRWAYS, © BELL HELICOPTER, CURTIS WALTZ, RICARDO REITMEYER, © BOMBARDIER, © FINNAIR 44 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM CONTACT CENTURION SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS