Condor’s new Airbus A330neo made its first transatlantic flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to New York’s JFK airport. The German budget carrier is focusing on improving its premium products, such as business class, to attract more customers. The airline, which has been operating since 1955, will have a network of 17 routes across North America by the summer of 2023, including destinations like Seattle, Toronto, and San Francisco.
Currently, Condor operates a fleet of Boeing 757, Airbus A320, and Airbus A321 narrowbody planes, as well as Airbus A330-200, A330neo, and Boeing 767-300ER widebody aircraft. The company plans to transition to an all-A330neo long-haul fleet by 2024. The airline recently updated its livery to feature colorful beach towel stripes, reflecting its leisure business model.
Condor is revamping its business class product to cater to corporate travelers and offer a more luxurious experience. The new A330neo aircraft, with 216 economy and 64 premium economy seats, features amenities like in-flight entertainment screens, power ports, and adjustable headrests. The business class section of the plane offers Skylounge Core seats, with a one-by-two-by-one configuration, lie-flat capabilities, and additional privacy features.
The airline also offers “Prime Seats” in business class, which allow travel companions or colleagues to sit together in a shared pod with added perks like upgraded amenity kits, pajamas, and slippers. Passengers can upgrade to these seats for an additional fee. Condor’s focus on enhancing its business class product is in line with the trend among airlines to prioritize premium cabin offerings over first class. Other carriers, such as American Airlines and Qatar Airways, have also shifted their focus to improving business class amenities in response to changing passenger preferences.
