Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- pitch in / pɪtʃ ɪn / (phrasal) – to contribute in an activity
Example:The project members pitched in fresh ideas during the meeting.
- spacious / ˈspeɪ ʃəs / (adj) – having a big space
Example:The new airplane cabin received positive reviews for its spacious aisles.
- underwhelming / ˌʌn dərˈʰwɛlmɪŋ / (adj) – disappointing or failing to meet expectations
Example:I find the vehicle’s features underwhelming because they are nothing new.
- a far cry from / ə fɑr kraɪ frʌm / (idiom) – to be extremely different
Example:The new device model is a far cry from the previous ones because it has more advanced features.
- have an edge on / hæv ən ɛdʒ ɔn / (idiom) – to have an advantage over others
Example:The company has an edge on its competitors because it has more effective marketing strategies.
Article
Read the text below.
German airline Lufthansa has gained public attention after it gave a teaser of its new luxurious business class seats.
Designed to resemble a throne, the new business class seats were conceptualized by British design studio PearsonLloyd. A PearsonLloyd representative said that the project intends to boost passenger experience through increased privacy, improved amenities, and greater comfort. The airline company also stated that it allowed its customers to pitch in their ideas on possible designs.
Although Lufthansa will feature the typical business class facilities such as a flight entertainment system and seat preference control, passengers can personally manage the facilities’ settings using a device. They also have the option of choosing seats with a bigger space for sleeping and have better privacy or seats with a more spacious desk. Its throne-like seats, which have direct access to the aisle, can be converted into a 7-foot bed that is adjustable according to the passengers’ height.
The new 45 to 60-seater business class is set to launch in 2020 and its ticket is expected to cost around $6,000.
Despite the luxurious features of Lufthansa’s new business class, some found the upgrade underwhelming. According to one reviewer, there is an impression that the improvements are not a far cry from the existing amenities of other airlines like United and EL AL.
However, another review asserted that Lufthansa’s new features have an edge on other business class cabins because of its unique throne-like seats that offer more space and privacy. Julian Mark Kheel of the travel blog The Points Guy also attested to the potential of the new business class cabin.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• Do you think Lufthansa’s upgraded features are enough to improve passenger experience? Why or why not?
• How can the airline company effectively promote its new business class cabin before its launch in 2020?
Discussion B
• If you were to pitch in your ideas on an airplane design, what features would you include? Give details.
• Which would you prioritize more: aesthetics (i.e. design) or passenger experience? Why?