Elite Traveler May-June 2017

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2017 38

Aviation

FLY BACK IN TIME In the early days of consumer air travel, the flight itself was considered to be an enjoyable part of a vacation, rather than simply a means of transportation. Embraer Executive Jets’ latest offerings, the Manhattan Airship and the Hollywood Airship, bring back the glamour and thrill of the flight that elegantly-dressed passengers experienced in aviation’s golden age. Inspired by classic black and white films, the Hollywood Airship provides a silver-screen experience with decor that nods to Tinseltown—marble detailing, backlit crystal structures and sculpted reliefs of Howard Hughes’ flying boat and iconic cars from the 1930s. TheManhattan Airship features deep, rich wooden details inspired by the SS Normandie, a French ocean liner that captured the signature style of the Art Deco era. Putting you in an empire state of mind, the entrance features a captivating metallic mural reminiscent of the Leif Neandross piece in the lobby of the Empire State Building, whereas the lounge and bar areas were modeled on the Chrysler Building.

Both models have five cabin zones that Embraer describe as “the ultimate adult playground.” Unlike on most business jets, guests enter the plane into an opulent lounge instead of boarding at the galley, and all crew resources have been moved out of sight. The first cabin zone, the Cloud Bar, features an exclusive portrait-viewwindow, while the salon is reserved for those wanting to relax. And only the most exclusive guests are invited back to the Crystal Room, which is the perfect setting for an intimate dining experience. From$80m, contact Gabriel Bastos, sales director, gabriel.bastos@embraer.com, +1 321 298 2025, embraer.com

SKY’S THE LIMIT

a limousine-style privacy window, providing a cabin so quiet you can have strain-free conversations without wearing headsets and enjoy a ride so peaceful you’ll land feeling refreshed and relaxed. From$15m, contact Kevin Rutledge, commercial sales, +1 817 280 2270, bellhelicopter.com

seating choices, in-flight entertainment system run from a paired smart device or smartwatch complete with internal Wi-Fi, moving maps, ambient light color controls and individually programmable headsets for each guest to enjoy different entertainment features. There’s also an interior panel with

200kts, cruise at speeds of up to 160kts and fly up to 575 miles nonstop. The one-of-a-kind helicopter has a fully customizable interior by Mecaer Aviation Group. Equipped with multiple options and configurations for optimum comfort, the possibilities include a variety of finishings and

Bell’s 525 Relentless helicopter is equipped with the cutting edge technology and luxury commodities more commonly found on board private jets. The first commercial helicopter with a fly-by-wire cockpit, it can reach speeds of over

Words Samantha Coles