Aviation
Top 10 Business Class Amenity Kits in the Skies
Airline amenity kits are nonetheless sought- after by Avgeeks and travel-enthusiasts alike. Like a bit of a small spa retreat in the skies, the First Class amenity kit provides travellers with all the essentials they may need in flight and upon landing. Think, an eye mask for better beauty sleep, a perfume for post-arrival hugs, and a hair brush to tame that static airplane mane. And whilst a standard brush or perfume may somewhat do, the First Class experience is never about things that will simply ‘just do’. Airlines have been quick to respond to this, battling it out with one another by featuring only the best brands for their specially curated sets.
After all, it is the amenity kit that stays with you long after you’ve stepped out of seat 1A and onto the tarmac of your destination. The amenity kit becomes a token of your journey, be it for better or for worse. From Givenchy sleep masks to Ferragamo perfume and a miniature RIMOWA suitcase, here is a list of some of the best first class amenity kits in the skies at the moment.
10. AMERICAN AIRLINES
American Airlines has teamed up with leading up-and-coming lifestyle and skincare brands to develop an impressive set of stylish amenity kits. American Airlines’ Business Class kits on longhaul flights are created in collaboration with well-known leather accessory company. This is Ground: they come in four different designs, with four colors per design (16 combinations in total). The contents for all the kits are the same, and include skincare products from Allies of Skin, dental kit, eye mask, socks, earplugs, mouthwash, pen, tissue pack, mints, credit card pitch, and a discount code for some products. On transcontinental Business Class flights, American Airlines hands out kits designed by Los-Angeles based shoe company Athletic Propulsion Labs, which features skincare products from Zenology, an oversized eye mask, added FlyFit hydration pack and earplugs.
9. KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINE
The Dutch airline’s sleek looking amenity kits have been created by Jan Taminiau, one the most exclusive and successful fashion designers from the Netherlands. There are six unique comfort bags in 12 different colors, and a new design is added every year. These comfort bags, which come in the shape of a clutch bag and a wallet, are not only designed to be used during the flight, but especially afterwards, as you may keep them as a small handbag or pass them on as a gift to a loved one or a friend. The contents of the bags are basic and include regular essentials for longhaul travel, like eye mask, ear plugs, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, and skin care products (Rituals lip balm & face moisturizer).
As well as an amenity bag, Business Class passengers also receive one of KLM’s collectible Delft Blue Houses, which are filled with Dutch gin, also known as jenever.
credit: dailymail.co.uk
8. ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS
One of Japan’s two major airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is known for its refined in-flight service, and its Business Class amenity kits are just another reason why. Passengers receive an amenity pouch by Globe-Trotter, a British luxury brand with over 120 years of history. ANA partnered for the creation of the kits’ content with renowned British brand Neal’s Yard Remedies, who brought in its expertise of the apothecary and its holistic approach to beauty to presents an exclusive travel collection item. Each kit contains Sekkisei Myv toiletries (10 ml face wash, 13 ml lotion, and 6 gr hand cream) and ANA’s own brand toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask and earplugs. The skincare products are infused with certified-organic essential oils to relax and refresh whilst the natural moisturizing ingredients help soften and hydrate the skin.
7. FINNAIR
Finnair’s longstanding partnership with Finnish design house Marimekko is reflected in its Business Class amenity kits, which feature Maija Isola’s iconic designs from the 1960s. The four designs – Rautasänky, Joonas, Jenkka, and Pieni melooni – are available two at a time and are changed every six months. The colors complement the new blue-on-blue sleep textiles with Isola’s Kaivo pattern. Each amenity kit includes almond-coconut lip cream and a chamomile-lavender facial hydrator from L:A Bruket, an eye mask with soft-touch fabric, ear plugs, and a toothbrush. Sustainability is an important part of the amenity kit renewal: the toothbrush is made from bio-plastic containing cornstarch, plastic wrappings for the earplugs have been replaced with wax paper, and each amenity kit comes wrapped in a cardboard band instead of plastic.
6. CHINA AIRLINES
China Airlines – the oldest airline in Taiwan – is collaborating with The North Face outdoor brand to inject the elements of youth, sports and fashion into its elegant Business Class cabins. The multi-function travel pouch come in red and black colors, and incorporates flying elements such as a zipper key ring with ribbons to boost airline brand recognition. In terms of kit design, China Airlines has put an unconventional spin on the traditional bag by adopting the outdoor gear pouch design concept. The water-resistant material and carabiner-style clip are both trendy and practical. The contents of the amenity kit include the basics such as an oral care kit, eye mask, and ear plugs. Handpicked products such as Korean best-selling LANEIGE skincare set and Moroccan Moroccanoil aromatic hair oil are also included depending on the cabin class to allow travelers to relax and unwind in the sky.
5. QANTAS
Qantas has teamed up with some of Australia’s leading artists, photographers and digital influencers to feature their work on the airline’s international Business class amenity kits. With artworks named ‘Fairy Bread’, ‘7000 Ironbarks’ and ‘Maaate’, the initiative called ‘Qantas Curates’ has seen the airline work with professional Australian contemporary art curators to select artworks from 16 Australians specializing in a variety of different styles including pop culture, photography, fine art, abstract landscape, Indigenous art and textile design. The amenity kits include ASPAR products by Aurora Spa (hand cream, lip balm and face moisturizer), a wrap-around eye mask in the same artwork as the kit, Colgate toothpaste, toothbrush, earplugs and travel socks. The kits can be used after the flight as make-up bags, an evening clutch or to carry their mobile phones.
4. QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways amenity kits have been created by Italian luxury travel bag company Bric’s. Famous worldwide as a symbol of elegance, craftsmanship and innovation, Bric’s creates products that are distinguished by their stylish materials and designs, and Qatar Airways’ Business Class amenity kits are no exception. The kits are given to passengers flying on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. The kits come in a variety of colors for male and female passengers – black, green, mustard yellow, navy and red. The kits contain all natural Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio skin care products, including lip balm, hydrating facial mist and anti-ageing moisturize. Socks, eyeshades and earplugs complete the range. The women’s kit has an added feature of an adjustable strap that allows the kit to be transformed into a cross-body bag. The men’s kit can also be reused as a wash bag.
3. TURKISH AIRLINES
Formia partnered with Versace to create Turkish Airlines’ his and hers long-haul Business Class kits, representing the first time the Italian luxury brand has been available on board any airline. The kits come in a variety of colors and sizes and contain Versace skincare products and a miniature eau de toilette for each gender. For the short-haul Business Class kit, Formia partnered with British fragrance and personal care brand Molton Brown. The chocolate brown-colored amenity kits are available in two sizes and contain lip balm and lotio. Kids up the the age of 12 who are flying with Turkish Airlines will be floating on air when they receive the new cloud-shaped amenity kit, developed in partnership with Kaelis. Each one contains non-slip socks, slippers, adjustable headphones, an eye mask, a toothbrush and White Glow toothpaste for children.
2. EVA AIR
Taiwan-based carrier EVA Air worked with luxury brands Rimowa and Ferragamo to create amenity kits for its Business Class passengers on long-haul flights. Those departing from Taiwan receive overnight kits in Rimowa’s popular new “Carmona Red.” Contents include a color-coordinated eye mask, cozy socks, a hairbrush, a microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses and screens on personal devices, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste and skincare essentials from Clarins. Returning to Taipei on these flights, EVA Air is distributing kits by fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo. Inspired by ancient Taiwanese majolica tiles, the case is a harmonious blend of contemporary fashion and Taiwanese culture stocked with Salvatore Ferragamo lotion, hand cream and lip balm elegantly scented with the brand’s new Bianco di Carrara fragrance.
1. EMIRATES
Emirates offers the most luxurious Business Class amenity kits in the skies, albeit only on longhaul overnight flights. The mammoth amenity kits are presented as large and chic wash bags, which come in eight designs – four for men and four for women. The kits contain the usual necessities – albeit in luxe edition – such as toothbrush and toothpaste through to handkerchiefs and deodorant. The mens amenity kit also provides Gilette shaving foam and a razor, as well as moisturizers and aftershaves by Bvlgari. The women’s amenity kit contains Bvlgari nourishing face emulsion and nourishing hand cream, as well as Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert (Green Tea). The bags have been designed for multipurpose uses after the flight to store headphones, make up or jewelry.
Sources:
Cover Image: https://www.elitetraveler.com/features/7-of-the-coolest-airline-amenity-kits
Top 10 best Business Class amenity kits in the skies
Aside from the fact that the Airbus A220 is the only airbus aircraft to not have a 3 in its name, the A220 is special from the fact that it isn’t fully made by Airbus, but instead a joint venture between them and Bombardier. This is all because of what some might call a mistake made by Boeing, causing Airbus to acquire a 50.01% stake in the company. In this article I explore its controversial creation, and why it’s needed.
Creation
The Airbus A220 was first named the “CSeries” by Bombardier, and was meant to cater to the demand of small aircraft in between their current-sized fleet and those larger already made by Airbus and Boeing. The particular area where it was expected to boom were the US markets, given there is always demand to be flying from small airports as there is no lack of them in the large country. At first, things were running smoothly and it was expected to enter commercial service in 2014, just one year after its first flight. However, things turned out not to go as planned, and the CSeries encountered issues on one of its test flights, causing it to miss the Farnborough air show, the largest in the industry, and delay its release. This was not good for the aircraft, nearly causing the project and the company to go bust, until financial aid was provided by the Canadian government.
Boeing’s crucial mistake
Eventually, these problems were fixed, and the first CSeries was delivered to SWISS on June 26, 2016. Eventually, more orders began to come for the new aircraft, including the critical ones in the US. In fact, Bombardier was offering Delta 75 of the aircraft at $20 million a piece, a price which was even lower than the cost to build them, and a cost which was just too good to refuse. However, this was contested and was seen to be Dumping, when a manufacturer essentially gives away its aircraft as sort-of “Samples”, and is illegal in the US and other countries. Boeing was quick to take action, claiming that it was stealing the market from its 737s, despite the fact that Delta had explicitly said that they weren’t looking to purchase the variants that Boeing were claiming to be losing out. It was then decided that, given Bombardier was a foreign company, the US government would impose a 300% import tariff, something near-destructible for the company.
Airbus saves the day
However, Airbus decided to step in and acquire a 50% stake in the company, something beneficial for both parties concerned. This was good for Bombardier, as Airbus has its final assembly station situated in Alabama in the US, meaning that seen as the aircraft technically wasn’t foreign, the import tariff wouldn’t be imposed on it. This would also help Airbus, as it would mean that the company would now profit off of an aircraft which had no competitors at the time. This allowed the aircraft to be reintroduced to the US market, allowing it to thrive.
Where it is now
Now, the CSeries has been re-branded to be the Airbus A220, a move which has knocked it out of the park for the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer. This has allowed airbus to spend absolutely no money on development, and come away with an excellent aircraft, which is dominating its playing field. As of April 2023, 251 aircraft have been delivered, with another 785 firm orders. The airlines operating the aircraft include Delta, JetBlue, SWISS and airBaltic, who operate a fleet solely made up of the A220. When Aviation for Aviators asked their CEO, Martin Gauss, about the aircraft, he said that “The aircraft has performed beyond the company’s expectations, delivering better overall performance, fuel efficiency, and convenience for both passengers and the staff.”
Sources:
- Wendover Productions
- Simple Flying
- airBaltic
- Delta
Helvetic Airways is a Swiss airline which operates its fleet of Embraer aircraft to destinations such as Greek islands and the Egyptian Red sea coast from their hubs in Switzerland. Their CEO, Tobias Pogorevc, has been in charge of the company since 2018 and overseen major developments such as the introduction of the Embraer E195 E2 and E190 E2 to their fleet. I put some questions to the man himself about the environment and the pandemic.
What do you see as the biggest challenge to the aviation industry at the moment?
One of the biggest challenges in the entire aviation industry is the staff situation. The pandemic
disrupted the entire aviation ecosystem and the situation is still very tense in the personnel area – both
on the ground and in the air. Helvetic Airways was able to counteract the natural fluctuation in the
cabin through early recruitment measures. In addition, as of the beginning of 2023, Helvetic Airways
has significantly expanded its existing and very popular part-time models for cabin crews, and now
offers various innovative models with “Fly your way”, in which cabin attendants can determine their
own assignments on a weekly, monthly or annual basis. Today, we employ over 240 flight attendants
and senior flight attendants in the cabin crew – more than ever before in the history of Helvetic
Airways.
In the cockpit, we benefit from the good and long-standing cooperation with our sister company
Horizon Swiss Flight Academy. From this pool, we were able to recruit 24 pilots this year.
Another challenge relates to supply chains, from carpet suppliers to engine manufacturers. This will
keep the industry busy for a long time to come.
How are you lessening the impact of Helvetic’s aircraft?
Helvetic Airways has renewed almost its entire fleet between 2019 and 2021 and now has 12 state-of-
the-art Embraer E2s – eight E190-E2s with 110 seats and four E195-E2s with 134 seats – and four
Embraer E190s. Helvetic Airways thus operates one of the most modern regional jet fleets in Europe
and the most modern fleet in Switzerland. The Embraer-E2 is currently the most environmentally
friendly regional aircraft on the market. Compared to the E1, the E190-E2 consumes 20 to 23% less
fuel per seat on European routes and the E195-E2 up to 30% less. Our own measured values are
even higher than Embraer’s factory specifications.
The E2 also sets new standards in terms of noise emissions, impressing in particular with its low noise
levels both inside the cabin and outside. The noise diagrams for departures from Zurich Airport show:
The noise contour of the Embraer E195-E2 is 28% lower than for the Airbus A319 and 60% lower than
for the Airbus A320. Particularly for airports near densely populated areas, the ability to reduce the
noise impact on people is an important factor.
What lessons did you learn from the pandemic?
In aviation, crisis situations are regularly trained for, but no one was prepared for a global crisis like the
Corona pandemic. We kept all our crews current during the pandemic so that we would be ready when
business picked up again. In retrospect, that was absolutely the right decision. But then the restart
happened faster than expected. On the one hand, we all had to get back to the “old normal” as quickly
as possible; on the other hand, the pandemic was not yet over – a balancing act that placed enormous
demands on the entire industry.
The pandemic showed us that even when things are at a standstill, you always have to keep moving.
As an airline with lean structures, we have the opportunity to implement new ideas and innovations
quickly, which proved its worth during the restart after the pandemic.
How is the Russo-Ukrainian war affecting Helvetic Airways’ business?
The Ukraine war and the fates associated with it are terrible but have no immediate impact on us as a
regional airline from an operational point of view. Our routes do not pass over Russian or Ukrainian
territory, which may not be flown over at present. What we do feel, however, are the indirect effects of
the war, for example on the fuel prices.
You have been CEO of the company since 2018, what has been the biggest change you have seen in the company since you became in charge?
On the one hand, as a small, private company, the fleet renewal to an E2 fleet has been very busy for
us. It is something special that we, as a niche player, can rely on the most modern fleet. But this is
only possible thanks to the financial strength of our owner, which got us through the Covid crisis even
without government aid. Today, we are financially strong, with no liabilities.
On the other hand, there was the biggest difference in the area of human resources: the needs that
applied in 2018 are outdated today. Today, we need to offer innovative and flexible working models to
recruit the best young talent. Work-life balance, diversity, inclusion must not just be buzzwords, they
must be lived.
Helvetic airways operates a fleet solely made up of Embraer aircraft, why was the decision made to do this?
Before unifying to an all Embraer fleet, Helvetic Airways operated Fokker100 aircraft, an Airbus A319
and Embraer E1 aircraft, four of which are still in our fleet today. The cooperation with Embraer was
excellent from the beginning and the development of the E2 series progressed well also due to our
experience and input from Switzerland. So the decision was also obvious to carry out the planned fleet
renewal in 2019 to 2021 with the new Embraer E2 models. The Embraer E2 is an aircraft of the latest
generation and therefore the right aircraft for the future. The E2 consumes significantly less fuel than
the E1 and, especially in times of high kerosene prices, it makes economic sense to operate an
aircraft that saves 20 to 30% fuel on certain routes at high load factors.
Another key reason for choosing the E2 jet was the commonalities, which is particularly advantageous
in the areas of training and maintenance.
All our pilots are certified for both the E1 and the E2, and the maintenance in our hangar is also
certified for both types of aircraft. We operate the aircraft, we maintain it and we have our own flight
school, the Horizon Swiss Flight Academy, where we train our pilots and engineers – all from Zurich.
In other words, we have specialists for all areas: training, operations and maintenance – in effect we
have become the Embraer competence center in Europe.
And Finally, what can we see in the near future for Helvetic airways?
First and foremost, our goal is to continue to offer our partners, customers and passengers reliable
flight operations with top service. In doing so, we will continue to rely on our three main pillars of
wetlease, charter and scheduled flights. Furthermore, we want to remain a good and modern employer
for our employees. Due to our manageable size, we remain agile and score with innovation and a
family atmosphere with flat hierarchies. We will continue to promote this spirit. From April, for example,
the first “Helvetic shared apartments” will be ready for occupancy – apartments rented by Helvetic
Airways and sublet to employees who do not have their main place of residence in Zurich. These
colleagues should immediately feel at home in our Helvetic family!
Cover image credit: Flikr
On March 8th, International Women’s Day 2023, Brussels Airlines made history by operating a flight from Brussels to Marseille with an all-female cockpit crew. This milestone marks the first time that the airline had ever flown with an all-female cockpit crew, and it sends a powerful message of support for gender equality in the aviation industry.
Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Belgium and operates flights to over 120 destinations, with a fleet of more than 50 aircraft offering both economy and business class seating. The airline is also committed to sustainability and supports social initiatives through its charity program, b.foundation for Africa. Its subsidiary, Brussels Airlines Cargo, provides cargo services.
Captain Anne-Sophie Godart, First Officer Charlotte Verstraete, and Flight Engineer Virginie Dupon, all highly experienced pilots with a combined total of more than 25,000 flight hours, were the crew who operated the special flight. The three women were honored to be part of this historic event, with Captain Godart stating, “It’s an honor to be part of this flight and to be able to make a statement about gender equality in the aviation industry. We are proud to be able to show that women can do the same job as men, and that we can do it just as well.”
The flight was a success, and the crew received cheers and applause upon arrival in Marseille. It was a powerful statement of support for gender equality in the aviation industry, and a reminder that women are capable of anything men can do.
Brussels Airlines has been actively recruiting more female pilots and creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all of its employees. This flight was a proud moment for the airline, which is committed to promoting gender equality in the aviation industry and providing equal opportunities for all.
As International Women’s Day 2023 is celebrated, it is a time to acknowledge the progress made in the fight for gender equality, but also recognize the work that still needs to be done. Brussels Airlines‘ all-female cockpit crew serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring female pilots and a symbol of progress for the aviation industry as a whole.
“Let us soar higher on this International Women’s Day 2023, celebrating the fearless women who have conquered the skies and shattered stereotypes in aviation, inspiring generations to come.“
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