Cruise liner of the skies pays first visit to Dubai

The world's first private cruise passenger jet has made its inaugural visit to Dubai where guests on a world tour with a difference will stay for three nights.

The Four Seasons private jet has made its first GCC visit, landing at DC Aviation Al Futtaim VVIP facility at Dubai World Central. Courtesy Four Seasons

If the thought of a world cruise aboard a giant ocean-going ship along with thousands of others crammed aboard what is in effect a vast, floating hotel leaves you less than less than whelmed, there is an alternative.

Now, you can cruise the world much more quickly, and with far fewer fellow travellers, aboard the world’s first dedicated cruise jetliner.

And the hospitality industry’s first fully branded private jet landed in Dubai following its inaugural flight to the GCC.

The Four Seasons aircraft, no, not owned by the popular US music combo, touched down in Dubai for the first time yesterday evening at DC Aviation Al Futtaim VVIP and hangar facility at Dubai World Central.

Flying in from Moscow, guests are enjoying a three-day stopover in the emirate before continuing their journey in the Seychelles, Africa’s Serengeti and Italy’s Florence, and returning to London to complete the 19-day world cruise by air.

“Dubai has quickly established itself as a leading global tourism destination, with world-class cultural, leisure and entertainment offerings. The three-day stopover of the Four Seasons Private Jet speaks to Dubai’s appeal for our discerning guests, who are eager to explore the unforgettable experiences that this remarkable city has to offer,” said Simon Casson, the Four Season president for hotel operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The 52-seat, custom-designed Boeing 757 features contemporary design combined with luxurious finishes throughout the aircraft. Ten Four Seasons trained in-flight crew include an executive chef, a sous chef, a Four Seasons soncierge and a global guest services manager.

“Since we unveiled the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience in 2015, the first visit to Dubai has been eagerly anticipated. Seeing the jet arrive in Dubai is a proud moment for the Four Seasons team here in the region and we’re excited to be able to share this iconic destination with our guests,” added Mr Casson.

The jet flew into the DC Aviation Al Futtaim Dubai South – the only fully-integrated VVIP (very, very important person) lounge and hangar facility in Dubai South. A joint venture between DC Aviation (Germany) and Al Futtaim, the private terminal offers 5-star service and the fastest way to arrive at or depart Dubai, with immediate access from limousine drop-off to the aircraft parked directly in front of the hangar.

The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience offers guests an unparalleled way to see the world. Carefully curated itineraries are designed to showcase every corner of the globe in a new way. Headlining the upcoming 2017 itineraries is Culinary Discoveries – a first-of-its-kind gastronomic expedition in partnership with the Copenhagen-based restaurant Noma and its acclaimed head chef René Redzepi.

Cruising the world by luxury jet is certainly different to spending days at sea scrambling for deckchairs – and there’s very little risk of hitting an iceberg …

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