Tried and Tested: Lufthansa's Boeing Business Jet
BACKGROUND: From Dubai to Frankfurt; outbound journey: flight LH633, departing Dubai International Airport at 08:15 on April 21, arriving at Frankfurt Airport at 13:15. Return journey: flight LH632, departing Frankfurt Airport at 22:20, arriving at Dubai International Airport at 06:40.
THE CHECK–IN: Like many airlines Lufthansa offers an online check-in facility that is easy to use and allows you to print your boarding pass at home.
With online check in and a generous hand-luggage allowance (outlined as one ski bag, but I also brought a laptop and handbag onboard), it is feasible to turn up at the airport gate 30 minutes before departure and board.
The small passenger capacity (44) means there is no crowd, particularly when there are only 15 passengers as on this occasion.
Lufthansa has also launched a new process that allows passengers to check in with a mobile boarding card through an internet-enabled mobile phone. However, the system has not yet been approved by Dubai International Airport, according to the airline.
THE LOUNGE (Dubai): Lufthansa shares the business-class lounge with Star Alliance situated between Gates 21 and 26. It is small, but comfortable, with a satisfactory F&B offering.
THE LOUNGE (Frankfurt): Lufthansa has certainly invested in its lounges at Frankfurt. Hon Circle members (those who have accrued more than 600,000 miles within two successive calendar years) benefit from access to all 14 lounges, including a brand new first-class facility with a spa. Senator Card holders (issued to passengers who have collected 13,000 status miles within a year) can access the business facilities and the Senator Lounge; a modern lounge, featuring easy chairs with built-in surround sound.
I waited in the new Welcome Lounge, situated in Arrivals Area B, occupying 1200m² across two levels. With a concierge, cloakroom and locker area, comfy seats and access to PCs, wireless and TVs, it has a relaxed atmosphere.
The F&B offering in all the lounges was excellent and included some German favourites, such as pretzels.
THE EQUIPMENT: Luthansa has teamed up with PrivatAir to offer the all business-class Boeing Business Jet BBJ, with 44 seats in a 2x2 configuration. The seats are very spacious, with a pitch of 60” and despite not reclining to a flat bed (170º) make for a good night’s sleep.
IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: Unlike most Lufthansa aircraft, the Business Jet does not have built-in TV screens.
Portable screens are provided, but they have to be placed on the table. However, there was a good choice of music, films and games and an extensive selection of newspapers and magazines published in German and English.
IN-FLIGHT MEALS: The Lufthansa first- and business-class ‘Star Chefs’ menus are created by some of the world’s top chefs and changed every two months.
I was impressed with the menu’s creativity and variety and opted for a well-presented tuna teriyaki skewer, soba noodles with coriander dressing and takuwan for lunch; a little ambitious for onboard cooking I thought and was proved right by the somewhat ‘rubbery’ tuna. The chicken breast tagine main course was tasty; lucky as it was the only selection remaining.
THE SERVICE: The staff were employed by PrivatAir. The service onboard was faultless; with no request too much trouble.
EDITOR'S VERDICT
From checking in to checking out, the business jet is the ultimate stress-free experience. With the growing trend for corporates downgrading, I’d recommend the business jet as an ideal alternative to first class; an exclusive experience for a lower fare.