Very often, we hear about a bundle of complaints attached with flights offering an impression that air travel these days is no less than a hell. Earlier flying used to be a fun activity against its present status where it has crooked into an absolute errand. With long lines, confined seating, you are expected to pay extra dough in the name of amenities. And in return feel fortunate if they happen to ask you for water. I doubt but Newsweek report claims that amidst ongoing scenario and floating bad thoughts about air travel, there is still some good there in skies provided you are ready to spill over the hefty amount.

There are airlines (mostly flying overseas) that propose magnificence like champagne, caviar, private cabins, and lie-flat beds. The eight most opulent airlines in the world enlisted by Newsweek in order are:

· Virgin Atlantic
· Qatar Airways
· Emirates
· Singapore
· British Airways
· Qantas
· Thai Airways
· Swiss International Airlines

Here are few interesting shoots:

Via Gadling

Offering another level of comfort in the airline travel is another worthy pretender. Then be it a design-form or a digital nature, airline owners cannot sit at rest and hence making efforts to rule the industry and travelers’ mind. The foremost thing that vouches for an airline comfort is the passengers’ seat. Respecting this, SWISS has publicized to approve a mould-breaking elite seating concept for its transnational Business Class chalets.

It is being said that their upcoming Business seat will open out into a two-meter long cushioned lounger that projects a new definition for luxury. Addressed as a new ‘bed above the clouds,’ which is undoubtedly ultra-comfortable is not a silent beauty but aims at exciting its passengers via its functionality. It would feature an integrated massager, USB and an iPod socket.

This pool of facilities would surely earn success in enticing prospective passengers who are tired of conventional airline seats. But still it’s a long wait for another one-year.

They say the new Airbus A330-300s is expected to join the fleet by 2009 and would take pride in flaunting its revolutionary set-up.

GEN H-4, the one pictured above. Don’t doubt it as an air balloon that runs on engine. But to your much-surprise it is the world’s smallest one-man helicopter that is priced at $58,250. Weighing 75-kilogram, the GEN H-4 is equipped with a set of two rotors rotating in reverse directions and can take off at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour.

The creative mind behind its development is a 75-year-old Japanese Gennai Yanagisawa who would be making its demonstration in the city of Vinci on 25 May.

Why only Vinci? Yanagisawa wants to pay a tribute to the fact that the concept is from Italy and with such an offering he would be greeting his ancestor Da Vinci. It was categorized as the world’s smallest helicopter to carry one-person by Guinness World Records in February. This tail-less Helicopter has invited eyeballs and is being sold by Yanagisawa, who is running a company in Matsumoto (Japan). As o now, five units have been sold in Japan and two in US.

Via Yahoo

It was only 10 days ago that I was floating smiles all over as Tim Burton era Batmobiles reached eBay, giving me a reason to ink a neat deal. But my happiness went two-fold when the auction was removed as I have a second good option to invest my money into i.e. Airwolf replica that is currently open for bidding at eBay .

Regrettably this Airwolf didn’t have any history of being allied to any TV series, but was developed for a helicopter museum located in Tennessee. Built on an accessible Bell 222A airframe and the side panels, its nose panels and other details replicates the real Airwolf’s specs and plans.

Check out the video:

Likewise the series, the helicopter museum doesn’t exist any more and hence all the collection is up for sale. Currently, the last bid made is $38,900, but fortunately the reserve is still not met. If by any chance you are making up your mind to bid for it then factor in the feature that it is just a replica and can’t really be flown out of your furtive mountain base.

Via TecheBlog

News is Singapore Airlines is on its way to install iPod docks and 15.4-inch LCDs in all its Business Class Airbus A340-500 flights running between NY/LA and Singapore. Whilst two years ago, the crew promoted their luxury seats with superior first class cabin that were packed with largest chairs in the sky. The proviso will facilitate flyers to enjoy movies and music via integrated noise-proof headphones that gets switched off as and when any announcement is made from the flight crew.

It is undoubtedly another witty way to invite business oriented flyers and an alarm for rivals to start working upon something head than this.

Via Gizmodo

Customer Satisfaction tops the list of every service provider and why not as it is one tool that governs their business. Satisfaction emerges out of comfort being offered by various companies and considering this we have the United Airlines International First Class Suite that provides that extra inch of placate. On first glimpse, it may look futuristic but the very functionality of the suite is that offers elite privacy for the First Class traveler. Elegantly designed S-shaped cabins, the integrated recliner turn the seat into a fully flat bed that offers a sound sleep to its passengers. The iPod connectivity allows commuters to plug in there iPod and view the needful on the huge FC suites with large video monitor. The other features include a TV, working table packed with drawers and storage spaces and a stand to place your drink while catching up the latest flick.

Designed by Mark Peurifoy, the United FC suite is at present flying on some global routes and is said to be installed on United’s Boeing 777, 747, 767 fleet worldwide during 2008 together with many other additional routes.

The USP of this design is that it does optimum utilization of space. The fact that the jazzy interiors of United Airlines would enlighten the business travelers is an alarm for other airlines owner to exercise the similar revamp. It deserves no second thought but simply would suggest you to fasten your seat belts and get going.

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A next-generation aircraft is being planned by Cirrus Design and it seems to be a transition from the Cirrus SR22. For an utter smart jet like this, considering light jets like the Eclipse 500 and the Cessna Citation Mustang would be a limitation. Targeted for the personal use market, it is suggestible to put it across the Diamond Aircraft Industries D-Jet. It comes equipped with a parachute likewise any other Cirrus together with a body of a composite material.

Anticipated to get a certification within next few years, Cirrus is at present demanding $100,000 deposits for the jet. To promote the product, the company started with distributing a drawing of the jet in the form of a jigsaw puzzle to all the deposit holders.
It is being said that on 28 June, entire puzzle would be completed and the Cirrus Jet design would be disclosed.

Check out the video:

The Jet will house seven people i.e. two seats at the cockpit, two in the second row and two in third row. The seventh one is formed by a slider between the second and third row. The Jet features two doors and a parachute located on its nose.

Via Luxuo

Right from the house of creators of JetBlue, here is an interesting deal that may substitute your archetypal chartered flights. News is JetSuite is engaged in accumulating a fleet of 100 Embraer Phenom 100 jets, thereby offering an affordable and convincing deal to all private buyers for owing a jet. JetSuite gives a green signal to its earlier vague thought of shelling out $25,000 per month in return of a confirmation that the JetSuite owner would allow JetSuite to use the jets during their crisis situation. Certainly, a Phenom 100 would bite you with its price tag of $3 million but at the same time a monthly installment of $25,000 would enable you bear your storage and safeguarding costs.

Price: $2.98 mn

Those of you thinking to change interiors of their living space and are busy scanning the various options shall stop here and step towards eBay. A bit whacky but realistic and elite deal is inviting bids. Some anonymous seller is selling selling the interior of a passenger airplane that can be utilized for a complete makeover of your apartment.

The 19-square-foot piece is a part of a real Boeing aircraft with real Airbus seats. It includes first class double seats, two fully-equipped airplane toilets, a kitchenette, storage lockers, and onboard in-flight video equipment. I propose it’s worth giving a try, who knows you end up being the fortunate of the lot to ink this cheap deal.

With starting bid at $ 560.55, you abode in such ambience would make you feel near the clouds. A view outside the house seems similar to the one offered by airplane windows. Take a look at the pics of this contraption and then only take a call whether it suits your taste or no.

Via TechLaunches

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Sitting in a flying airplane is a common thing but flying in a flying plane is something not everyone can do. But here you have an opportunity to materialize your reverie of flying an airplane or a helicopter in absence of official license. You may label it as a toy and fun ride onto it but the experience in this toy is unbeatable. So, go ahead and calm you’re your flying desires via this full motion helicopter / airplane simulator inviting bids at eBay starting at $100,000.

I don’t mind if you count it as a toy for Richie Rich class but possessing this luxury offers a level of satisfaction. This simulator can take you high likewise a helicopter flight or as an airplane journey as controls fitted for helicopters can easily be used for airplane as well. With Microsoft flight SIM and battle flight software, the screen is positioned at about 3 to 4 feet distance from the occupants. This provides a genuine feeling of being in authority. In the fight program, WWII aircrafts and other helicopter replications viz. Apache, Comanche, Little Bird and Huey can be attained. All you need is an empty speed of 15? X 15? with at least 14 feet of height to install it. Only two days left for possessing this toy as the bid ends on 10 April.

eBay