Aviation watchers are heaving a sigh of relief as modern technology does not seem to be focusing only on improving on the speed of jets but also on the quality of services rendered to passengers while in flight. For instance, the world’s most luxurious commercial jet ever has taken to the skies with a ticket that costs at least $50,000 per hour. The Crystal Skye – a privately-owned converted Boeing 777-200LR that will take about 88 passengers – boasts a spacious dining area, as well as seats that can be converted into spacious beds for the affluent.
Launched by United States-based Travel Company, Crystal Cruises, last month, tickets for a 14-day ‘hop-on hop-off’ ride on the palatial plane start at $50,000 per hour. Cuisine is prepared by an executive chef, in two state-of-the-art galleys. Along with five-star interiors and Michelin-star inspired menus, passengers are also lavished with top-notch treatment, thanks to on-board butlers.
There are a total of 88 armchair-style seats for passengers to relax in. These transform into flat beds for those wanting to pack in a bit of sleep before landing at their next destination. In the roomy bathrooms, guests can freshen up with a range of fragrant products from the luxury Italian fashion house Etro.
Other highlights include a bar (stocked with an array of fine wines), large flat-screen televisions, free global Wi-Fi and personal Bose noise-cancelling headphones.
There are 14, 21 and 28-day itineraries available, whisking holidaymakers away to some of the ‘most exotic and remote’ locations in the world. The Crystal Skye has the highest crew to passenger ratio of any twin-aisle aircraft and a non-stop range of 19.5 hours.
When the venture was unveiled in 2016, Crystal’s then Chief Executive Officer, Edie Rodriguez said Crystal Air Cruises is not just a thrilling new venture for Crystal, but a groundbreaking development in the luxury travel industry. Mr. Rodriguez said: “Even the savviest travellers and guests who have sailed on our award-winning ocean cruises many times will relish brand new opportunities to explore places impossible to reach by water, all with Crystal’s signature personalised service and the highest standard of luxury at every point of travel.”
