As the year comes to a close we take a look back at the trips we’ve done. it’s a year as well that we’ve covered every continent. In fact, thanks to one of our most used apps, Flighty, below are some of the facts of TheDesignAir’s travels in the past year.
Flights: 72
Distance: 139,736 miles
Total flight time: 13days 14hours
Airlines: 21
Airports: 40
Longest flight distance: SCL-MAD, 6,662 miles
Longest flight time: TPE-FRA, 14hours 49minutes
From Asia to South America, tiny boutique carriers to some of the world’s flag carriers, we’ve had a varied year of flights and experiences. Here’s 9 of the trips we did. Let us know in the poll at the end which was your favourite. Please don’t forget to subscribe, like and comment on the videos too, and stay tuned for one more trip report over the new year’s period. Can you guess which airline it will be, let us know in the comment section below?
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Austrian Airlines 777
I started the year with Austrian Airlines flying from London to Chicago via Vienna, allowing me to experience both their newest aircraft, the A320neo and one of their oldest, the Boeing 777. Austrian isn’t known for a state-of-the-art hard product, but the airline’s soft product, service and food and drink is what it is better known for. But how does the airline stack up against the competitors or even its sister airlines within Lufthansa? With a new 787 product too 2025 should be an exciting year.
beOnd A319
Flying from Male in the Maldives to Zurich on one of the most exclusive Business Classes in the world. With just one aircraft in its fleet, this is one of the most rare travel experiences you can find. With an all-business-class product, and just 44 seats in an A319, can the Maldives most exclusive airline beOnd compete with the legacy carriers to and from this island paradise?
China Airlines A350-900
On a recent flight to Osaka, Japan we flew from Amsterdam through Taipei, Taiwan on Design Airline of the year, Asia, 2023, China Airlines. Could this be the most underrated airline you’ve maybe not even heard of? It’s a Skyteam member, and flies from the US and Europe to Asia and beyond, including Australia. Fares are often fairly competitive, and connections, at least from European city pairs, allow for a crazy amount of great Asian, South East Asian and Australian destinations.
Air Tahiti Nui 787
Flying on Air Tahiti Nui’s Business Class from Paris CDG airport to Los Angeles LAX on this competitive route. How does a Pacific Island carrier compete on this highly competitive and lucrative city pair? The seats might be less competitive but can this award-winning design carrier hold up against the mights of the US and French giants?
Hawaiian Airlines 787
I was lucky enough to fly on Hawaiian Airlines very first 787 flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu in the airline’s much awaited new First Class cabin. Originally announced a few years ago, this brand new seat is the same as Qatar Airways product on its new 787 fleet, but Hawaiian has decided to deliver a much more comprehensive design palette.
Brussels Airlines A330
I flew on the very first flight from Brussels (BRU) to Nairobi (NBO) on June 3rd 2024 with Brussels Airlines, launching the important connection between Belgium and Kenya once again. It’s the first time I had flown since the carrier had undergone its renovation, and it was great to see the ‘Boutique Hotel’ in the sky in action, although where I found the hotel touches wasn’t exactly where I expected…
China Airlines 777
On my return flight from Japan, I was able to put the China Airlines 777-300ER through its paces and see why TheDesignAir rated the airline as the Best Design Airline in Asia. Just like the A350, this Business Class product is still one of the best in the skies. But, is this the best business class in Asia?
LATAM 777
A recent flight review on LATAM’s Brazil-based 777-300ER Premium Busines Class from London’s LHR to Sao Paulo GRU. Featuring the airline’s signature Business Class product. While the seat is a little bit older, is it really the best in South America? As the long-haul workhorse for Sao Paulo, is the 777-300ER still competitive. Well, maybe for the region, but what did we think of the overall product?
Turkish Airlines 777
TheDesignAir was given the chance to fly on Turkish Airlines’ Inaugural flight from Istanbul (IST) to Sydney (SYD) on the airline’s largest aircraft, the 777-300ER. Now operated by the A350-900 this very first flight showcased what 20+ hours is like flying on one of the world’s leading airlines. How does it compare to other European carriers on the route? While the business class seat and cabin has now been replaced by the A350, the food, service and amenities are just the same.
Coming soon…
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