Asiana introduces premium first class

Asiana Airlines said Sunday that it has launched a new type of first-class service, OZ First Suite, which is based on the concept of “hotel suites transplanted in an air carrier.”

Limited to three routes ― Incheon-Chicago, Incheon-Narita and Incheon-Ho Chi Minh ― the new premium service is offered only on the B777-200ER aircraft at present. The Incheon-Chicago flight runs four times a week, the Incheon-Narita flight four times a day, and the Incheon-Ho Chi Minh flight two times a day.

The most eye-catching feature of the air suite is the slide-open door, the first of its kind in Korea, installed at the seat entrance.

Besides stricter privacy, each suite guarantees fresh air from individual air ventilation systems, the company said.

Designed to provide the best surrounding for both business and relaxation, the OZ first Suite is equipped with an individual cabinet for papers and laptops in addition to other accommodations including mini-bars.

The suites also have touch-sensitive “LCD seat function control units” set up in the armrests for easier control of the light and seat adjustment. A “do not disturb” sign is included in the control unit for more privacy.

Passengers can watch movies on personal 32-inch in-flight HD screens, the world’s largest, with a clear view even from a 2.1-meter distance as the seats fully recline.

The air carrier plans to add one more carrier with OZ First Suite by Aug. 2013.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)