Airlines can be vital first impressions for the destination ahead. Nick Walton finds Jet Airways an elegant ambassador on a recent flight between Hong Kong and Delhi.

Check-In/The Lounge

Although I encountered problems with the online check-in, the staff at HKIA’s Terminal 2 were charming and efficient. T2 offers a faster, less crowded approach to the airport, especially when departing from the furthest gates. We were directed to the Plaza Premium Lounge at gate 40, which the airline uses for its first-class and Premiere business class passengers. Here, staff are very slow to direct guests to the area set aside for premium travellers, with its fully stocked bar and quiet tables, and instead allow them to glace left, see crowds and head right, away from the good stuff. Be vigilant.

The Flight

We boarded from gate 65 and were welcomed into the Premiere cabin by smiling Jet Airways crew, who dish out hot towels and glasses of Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne as passengers found their seats. The A330-200 features 30 lie-flat Premiere seats in a herringbone configuration that offers all guests direct aisle access and plenty of privacy and remains popular with travellers from Asia. Each seat is 21-inches at the waist and 35.4-inches at shoulder height when the seat is in its 74-inch long bed mode. Sizable personal monitors that swing out from the ‘wall’ are complimented by AC power points, personal reading lamps, and ample storage space, though the noise reduction headphones could do with an update.

The cabin’s honey and tan colour scheme contrasts well with the crew’s vibrant uniforms in yellow and dark blue. We departed on time for our 5 hour 30 minute night flight.

Dining

The crew were quick to snap into action, offering an elegant ‘Dine Anytime’ dinner service that showcases the best of Indian cuisine. Our dinner started with Royal cumin pumpkin soup and a celeriac salad with radish, mango and corn, followed by a choice of Amritsari Murgh Makhni, chicken cooked in a tangy tomato gravy; ling fish with sweet chili soya sauce; Paneer Achaari, cottage cheese cooked in gravy and pickling spices; and parmesan gnocchi with grilled zucchini and a creamy pesto sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked and was matched with Khatta Meeta Baingan, eggplant cooked with Indian spices; Dal Palak, lentils blended with spinach, ginger and garlic; basmati rice; and an elegant Gavi la Battistina from Piemonte.

Entertainment

The airline’s on-demand IFE system is on par with other carriers in Asia and offers a large selection of both Hollywood and Bollywood movies as well as music and television shows. Bring your own headphones, with an adapter, to really make the most of the 15.4-inch monitor.

Summary

We landed uneventfully in Delhi just before midnight, thoroughly impressed by Jet Airways’ genuine service levels, charming crew, and brilliant dining at 40,000ft and our only regret was we weren’t flying further.

Hong Kong-Delhi return from US$1,593 per person. www.jetairways.com

Note: The authored travelled on a fully paid ticket with the airline’s knowledge

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