JEDDAH, 31 July — Swiss national airline Swissair, which operates weekly flights from the Middle East, has been awarded first place for its inflight food and drink and second place for its overall service and management in the industry’s 2001 World First Class survey compiling 34 global airlines. “Our first class underwent a complete refurbishment in 2000, allowing us to offer one of the world’s best products in this category and I’m thrilled that this has been appreciated by discerning travelers around the world,” said Richard Castle, Dubai-based Swissair marketing manager, Middle East and North Africa. Last year’s full refurbishment of all Swissair A330 planes flying long haul included installing new state of the art first class seats, especially designed by the renowned Swiss designer Tilla Theus. Each first class seat can now be adjusted to make a flat bed, two meters in length and 60 cm wide — one of the largest and most comfortable first class beds in the air. Each first class seat also provides an ottoman to be used for foot support or as a seat for visitors joining for a meal. In addition, the new first class seat comes with one of the largest tables found in the air offering more space for work or dining. (KSR)
