GQ_South_Africa_2017

REPORT

OCTOBER 2017 GQ.CO.ZA 77

To capture the attention – and the business – of flyers who value the flexibility,

speed and comfort of first class cabins and private jets, top aeronautical

minds are seeking to achieve ever-higher feats of ambition and luxury. From

transparent planes and projection-screen ceilings to striking interiors and the

Champagne-popping return of supersonic passenger planes, hit the recline

button and take a tour from the top of the world. Words by Conrad Quilty-Harper

THE ZONES

Inside, the jet is divided into distinct

areas. The ‘vitalising zone’ at the front is

energised with antioxidant-enriched air

and acupressure-enabled seats that

morph to respond to passengers’ bodies;

the ‘interactive zone’ in the centre allows

for virtual-reality business meetings or

games of golf; and the ‘smart-tech zone’

at the back is adaptable to other

activities, such as watching a movie on

the giant holographic touch-display or

catching some zeds in the sleeping pod.

The concept has a flatter, more

aerodynamic shape, which

has the additional benefit of

creating more room in the cabin.