Air Berlin's new Business Class
Air Berlin is equipping its long-haul Airbus A330-200 fleet with new Business Class seats. These come second-hand from the main shareholder Etihad Airways. This does not detract from a noticeable improvement in comfort.
Boarding the Air Berlin Airbus A330-200 in Berlin Tegel on the apron in an icy wind. The governing mayor of Berlin and frequent flyer, Claus Wowereit, gets to the heart of the matter as a passenger on board in the new premium cabin. "The important thing is that we have a flat bed". And so it is. 19 seats are available, only four in a row. Some seats by the window have more storage space, such as seat 2G in the aisle. This makes it difficult to spread out. 3K, for example, a single seat, is right next to the window. Single seat 2H in the aisle, although in the window row, offers more storage compartments. Most seats offer privacy and there is direct access to the aisle from every seat. There are also some double seats in the middle of the cabin, ideal for couples. Sleeping comfort is assured on a 182-centimetre flat reclining surface. There is also a massage function and the amenity kit contains care products from L'Occitane and other well-known brands. Sleeping itself is very comfortable.
The in-flight entertainment - which can be easily controlled using the cursor - offers a sufficient selection of films on the 15-inch monitor. A USB interface is also available. As already mentioned in other tests: if an airline has a smaller budget, the smaller the selection of films. Incidentally, Eimrates, which buys the films directly from Hollywood, spends the most money on in-flight entertainment.
By the way, the uniform of the male flight attendants is surprising. No jacket, just a black shirt and black trousers. The women's uniforms look more appealing. No matter. The men have the service well under control. To the food: Unfortunately, the table is slightly askew in its unfolded position. There are four hot meals to choose from for the main course. Over the North Sea to Scotland, North Atlantic, Air Berlin boss Wolfgang Prock Schauer explains that the service level of an Etihad is to be achieved on long-haul flights. Well, the seats are already there. The food is tasty, even if the chicken was a little overcooked and could have used some seasoning. The Italian white wine reaches more and more ideal temperature with the length of the flight.
Incidentally, the second meal service offered an excellent fillet of beef. The flight landed on time in Chicago at the international terminal. The return flight then took place from the American Airlines terminal.
Conclusion: Air Berlin's long-haul product can keep up with other airlines in many areas. The further development of this service class by Wolfgang Prock-Schauer is necessary. This is because competitors are also upgrading their long-haul services.
May 2013
Kurt Hofmann
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