In response to falling demand for its first-class cabins, Oman Air has axed the travel class – and in the process has implemented a low-cost way to expand its business-class seat count, combined with a comfort upgrade. In short, the airline is repurposing the first-class suites on its Boeing 787-9 fleet, predominantly serving its London and Bangkok services, to become business-class suites.
Now branded as Business Studios, the new business-class cabin retains the same hardware, the same spacious cabin layout, and wi-fi connectivity, but with lower fares and a level of service more appropriate to the travel class. This is good news for Oman Air business-class customers who ever fancied an upgrade, with the full suite experience available at no extra cost.
“The traditional First Class experience has seen diminished demand, and after careful analysis and benchmarking against industry standards, we decided to retire the product. This decision allows us to focus on delivering an exceptional Business Class experience that better meets modern traveller expectations and is more closely aligned with the demographics targeted by the national tourism objectives, such as such as wellness, adventure and MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions]. Moreover, we’re offering it all at a more competitive price point,” explained Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air.
Being based on an impressive first-class suite, the Oman Air Business Studio instantly becomes one of the most impressive business-class offerings in the sky, with an 82in seat pitch, high privacy walls, 23in HD entertainment screens, free wi-fi connectivity, and à la carte dining.
The suite was designed and built from the ground up by Teague and Collins Aerospace specifically for Oman Air. The design process began with a series of journey mapping activities to understand different stages of a typical flight from the perspective of passenger activities, service, and crew-passenger interactions. This influenced a packaging study that informed the placement of features and amenities like a pull-out garment hook and closet, a companion seat, device connectivity, and a chilled mini-bar.
The cabin reflects Omani design heritage, with the arch shape on the feature wall and on each private suite door inspired by the architectural form of the Omani archway – as seen from centuries old forts to the iconic modern Royal Opera House in Muscat. An interesting feature is the privacy divider between the centre suites. These dividers are usually certified for flight in the stowed position, but that can lead to awkward social interactions when a passenger wishes to raise it as passengers fear being seen to snub their neighbour. Instead, the divider was qualified in the up position, so that the first action for passengers is to take down a barrier, rather than raise one up.
If you would like to try this impressive business-class experience, the Business Studios are available to book from 9th September 2024 at www.omanair.com.
