Initial Thoughts: Aeroflot A350 Business Class To Moscow
- Konrad Tillman
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Intro
As promised, here are my initial thoughts on what I believe to be the best business class in the world.
Very recently, I had the opportunity to fly Aeroflot on their Flagship aircraft, in their Flagship Business Class from Krasnojarsk to Moscow. When I try out products for the first time, I usually have so much hope going in, and am left extremely disappointed (like the JAL A35K J), but this left me quite frankly with my jaw on the floor.
A 3-course meal in a lie-flat bed on a 4-hour domestic flight? I am sold…
The Seat/Cabin
In a previous post, I touched upon the details of the business class cabin on the A350. However, as a quick recap, the business class cabin is laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, with seats alternating closer to the aisle and the window/center.
Yes, Air India and Turkish Airlines fly the same cabins, as those aircraft were intended for Aeroflot. However, the whole orange and blue lighting makes it, frankly, the swankiest cabin in the sky. I mean, I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves…
Each seat came with a giant storage cubby (enough for me to put my sweater, laptop, chargers, and small bag), a cubby underneath to store shoes, a closet to hang up a blazer (with an Aeroflot hangar), and a very large footwell.
You can see how much attention to detail went into designing this seat by Aeroflot at the time. There is not a single bad part to the seat, minus the location of the seat controls, which you can easily bump while sitting upright. Just wow.
Amenities
Upon arriving at my seat for this evening's flight, I was pleased to find a mountain of amenities waiting for me on this 4-hour hop. Few airlines would go this far on a domestic/regional route, with Aeroflot offering a full amenity kit (you can bet I kept it), comfortable slippers, a full blanket, and a plush pillow.
Keep in mind, there are airlines I fly in business internationally that offer less. Wow.
IFE/WIFI
Now, here is where things might get a little bit finicky, but you have to remember there are some caveats with what is going on in the world today. Located in the seatback in front of you is a gorgeous IFE system. Modern, tail cameras to watch takeoffs and landings, and a selection of media (including learning courses, which is, wow).
Obviously, in the West, we think everyone revolves around us (I am from the West, lol), but it was interesting to see just how many famous Russian movies and TV shows there were. There were some American-made movies, but not as many as you would expect. I would imagine that when Aeroflot begins flying to the US again, this will change drastically…
In terms of Wifi, it seems that there was Wifi onboard these A350s, but I wasn’t able to connect. It has been a struggle all over Russia for me with an American SIM card, so I am not blaming Aeroflot here. I am blaming myself for being a dumb tourist 🥴.
Meal Service
Where else to begin with this than the pre-departure beverage? Arriving at my seat as soon as I sat down was the lovely flight attendant Maria. She asked me what I would like to drink (of anything, people were having whiskey), and I asked for a glass of champagne. She asked, “Which one?”, like, huh.
In record time, she came back with a flute and poured a lovely glass of Lanson for me at my seat. 15 minutes later, she came back and topped it off at my seat. This is First Class level stuff, not business class…
Approximately 30 minutes after departure, Maria came around to take our meal orders for the day. The options for today’s (domestic, keep in mind) flight were the following:
30 minutes later, the starter was presented, and the Balik Salmon was truly a hit. Fresh raw salmon on a plane? That is actually good? Are you taking the mickey...
With Maria clearing my plate, another flight attendant, Dasha, came around to serve my main course: a chicken thigh. While small, this was one of the best-tasting dishes I have ever had on a plane. Tender and juicy doesn’t even begin to cut it (no pun intended). Shoutout the pretzel bread and the glass of Chianti
Opting to skip dessert, I headed to bed… But really, a full 3-course meal on a domestic flight is sensational.
Service
Now, what truly made the experience wasn’t the seat, the food, or the IFE, but the service. It was truly some of the best I have ever experienced in my life. It’s almost as if Aeroflot is part Eastern-Asia-carrier service, part European, and part Middle East service. Here are a couple of things that blew me away.
Upon boarding, I had rushed down the jetbridge to get some empty cabin shots. I asked to have my pictures taken, and Maria closed the curtain to grab the perfect image, and suggested I take a picture in front of the Aeroflot sign
Each and every time I was addressed, they knelt down to talk to me at eye level. As you know, I find it sort of awkward, but I know it shows exceptional service
When Dasha came over later, she introduced herself and said, “Mr Tillman, how may I call you?”.
For those wondering how they cater to English speakers, as soon as you get on board, they signal to the entire crew that an English person is on board, so they know not to speak in Russian.
I was constantly checked on by the crew for top-ups of champagne and anything I would desire…
This isn’t normal business class service; this is First Class service in a Business Class product. Honestly, I can’t think of another carrier that does it like them… Maybe TG/GA service-wise, but still not up there…
Final Thoughts
While these are just my initial thoughts for now, I wholeheartedly believe that Aeroflot is not only the most underrated business class in the world, but it might just be the best. With the swankiest cabin I have ever experienced (color-scheme-wise), First Class level service, exceptional dining, champagne being poured at your seat as a PDB, a closet for your clothes, and a comfortable bed: what more could you want?
If I had to be nitpicky, the seat controls were a touch annoying, but that is an easy fix. Additionally, the IFE was scarce on Western content, but I believe that will change going forward if situations arise.
All in all, truly exceptional. Stay tuned for a full review as I will be starting on the Russia trip tomorrow with a re-review of the American Flagship Lounge In Los Angeles.
