At Bartelings Associates we were privileged to be invited for an inspection of the Crystal VIP Boeing 777 at Gatwick Airport recently. Through our air cruise work we are often asked about the availability of high end aircraft to explore the world and although many direct their focus towards a VIP Boeing 767, 757 or 737 the 777 has its own unique benefits. Before we get to that, let us explore this incredible aircraft.

The Boeing 777 is one of the larger aircraft and in a standard configuration, two classes, it can accommodate at least 300 passengers. In contrast, the Crystal Boeing 777-200LR has seating for a maximum of 88 passengers. You can imagine the space available to each of your clients flying on this aircraft. The space allows for full flat-bed seating for all guests on-board (in a 2 by 2 by 2 configuration) and, considering the range of this aircraft, that is a real benefit. Around the seating is ample space and a state of the art inflight entertainment system offers clients a large range of on demand video and audio options. No chance of getting bored on this aircraft. 

In addition to the luxury travel accommodations for each guest on-board the aircraft offers a dining com bar area at the front. Four tables with chairs offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy lunch with newly made friends or perhaps look at photos or play a game of cards. This additional area is a real benefit if you are looking to operate an air cruise as socialising on-board is often cited as a highlight for seasoned travellers.

The experience on-board will be 2nd to none. The aforementioned facilities will please even the most discerning traveller and with a dedicated Chef and a well-stocked wine cellar a journey to explore the world will simultaneously become a gastronomic delight high up in the sky.

During flights you are looked after by a dedicated crew, whether you are looking at chartering for a sector or two or for a more involved around the world journey there are 12 “Sky Butlers” who will ensure your clients enjoy an enjoyable, comfortable and worry free journey. With 3 pilots, a technical engineer as well as an operations manager all aspects of a trip, whether short or long, is covered.

“No chance of getting bored on this aircraft”

Earlier on I mentioned the range of the aircraft as providing unique benefits. If you are departing from London for example, you could fly non-stop to Honolulu or Perth and anywhere in between. Starting in Los Angeles, Sydney, Johannesburg or Buenos Aires are all in reach. In our opinion the aircraft offers the opportunity for the “ultimate Air Cruise” very different from some of the other air cruises currently on the market. There are of course a number of opportunities to use this aircraft and our idea is for the “short and sharp” air cruise, just imagine:-

London | Delhi | Cape Town | Rio de Janeiro | London  

On this trip you could include the Taj Mahal in India, Table Mountain and Robben Island in South Africa and Copacabana beach and Christ the Redeemer in Rio. We could probably even throw in a sightseeing flight over Iguassu if you ask nicely!

A trip like that won’t last much longer than 10 days and you would do this in complete style and luxury.

Alternatively, departing from the West Coast of the US, you could curate an itinerary with superlative destinations like:-

Los Angeles | Easter Island | Tahiti | Sydney | Beijing | Los Angeles

Such a circular air cruise, taking under 2 weeks, would have your clients explore the mystique of Easter Islands Moai statues, relax in the turquoise waters of the South Pacific, take in an Opera in what is arguably the worlds most famous Opera House and round it all off with dinner on the Great Wall of China!

Apart from more involved itineraries the aircraft is very suited to incentive groups, private charters or for smaller size expedition cruising.

We would be delighted to provide a quote for any journey you might be looking at so contact our team at hello@bartelings.com or by phone on +44 (0) 7768 614235.