It is not just the big players that are upping their business-class offerings.
The big news in the South Pacific's business travel circle these days is that Air Tahiti Nui is in the midst of a two-year, US$17 million upgrade for its fleet of Airbus A340-300 aircraft, including an expanded business class.
Flights to Tahiti from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi route through Los Angeles and take from 34 to 35 hours, including two stops. It is not a short hop, but then again, it is Tahiti.
Most of the carrier’s cabin reconfigurations and entertainment system upgrades have already occurred, though one more aircraft is expected to undergo the transition this year.
So how does the new business class stack up against other airlines? First-class travellers flying Air Tahiti Nui this month would have noticed a number of new additions, such as a complimentary travel bag filled with L’Occitane lip salve and a refreshing towel, plus other comforts.
Considering the flight from many parts of the world can take a full day or night, the new touch-screen entertainment console offered a good, but not the most robust, selection of media – with about eight movies, another eight music channels and a dozen videogames.
Meanwhile, the new business class now boasts 32 tropical blue seats, up from 24 previously, and more personal space this time around with a 60-inch seat pitch.
This felt comparable to many European airlines but less spacious than Etihad Airways or even Air Canada. Yet the seats only recline up to 160 degrees, so passengers are unable to fully lie down – something that was a bit of a pain during a redeye flight.
Where Air Tahiti Nui stood out, though, was its exceptionally friendly service backed by plenty of smiles. So for those hoping to start relaxing from work, even for just a few days, the airline’s business class certainly delivers.
Further, savvy business travellers know all too well the perks of tacking on a short stopover holiday during far-flung international trips. Last year and in 2012, executives travelling from Los Angeles to New Zealand or Australia took advantage of Air Tahiti Nui’s special offer that provided a free three-night stay in Tahiti, the most popular island in French Polynesia.
Possible itineraries that could take advantage of such an offer are Dubai-Los Angeles-Tahiti, Dubai-Australia-Tahiti, Abu Dhabi-LA-Tahiti or Abu Dhabi-New Zealand-Tahiti.
If a similar offer is made again this year, look out for it sometime this month.
business@thenational.ae
