In Best of the Best, we honour the brands and people behind the most covetable products. Here are the two best flying experiences you should be a part of
Best Super Midsized: Embraer Praetor 600E
The second generation of the Praetor 600 takes the super-midsized category’s comfort level to new heights. Among the most noteworthy changes are the new seats, designed and built in-house to deliver precise 180-degree manoeuvrability and full-flat berthing for sleeping on overnight flights. An electric-assisted release system, dual lumbar supports, three levels of firmness for the cushioning, and forward- tracking headrests are sophisticated features more commonly found on much larger aircraft.
The 600E’s real game-changing amenity, though, is the Smart Window—a 42-inch 4K OLED display positioned about mid-cabin. Produced in partnership with Lufthansa Technik, it can function as a hyperrealistic digital portal with the help of exterior cameras, or as a hub for entertainment and videoconferencing via satellite connectivity. It also turns the typical two-zone interior of a super mid into a three-zone cabin. Thanks to the portside seats and the divan across the aisle that faces the Smart Window, this cluster becomes arguably the most sought-after social enclave in the plane.
Best Ultra-long-range Jet: Dassault Falcon 10X
Unveiled in March, the Falcon 10X takes on Bombardier’s Global 8000 as well as Gulfstream’s G700 and G800 in the ultra-long-range class. Like the others, the 10X is designed to move passengers nonstop between far-flung city pairs such as New York and Hong Kong or Los Angeles and Sydney, doing so with a range of 13,890km and a top speed of Mach 0.925. But where the 10X leaves the competition in its slipstream are differentiators such as a composite wing for optimal efficiency, a NeXus flight deck with touchscreen displays, and the FalconEye Enhanced Vision System—the third generation of Dassault’s digital flight-control setup.
The 78.70-cubic-metre interior—with 38 windows that are 50 per cent larger than those of other Falcons—can be arranged in either three or four zones, allowing for lounges, dining areas, and a private bedroom with shower. A 914m cabin altitude at 12,497m and a fresh-air filtration system, which uses the same technology as many hospital intensive- care units, combine to keep passengers at their best after going the distance.
Best Light Jet: Citation CJ4
From the cockpit through the cabin, the Citation CJ4 Gen3 provides much more than a simple update to one of Cessna’s most storied aircraft in the light-jet category. It’s a sea change when it comes to the pilot experience. The reduced workload via operational efficiency is due to the new Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite that bundles Garmin’s autothrottles and Emergency Autoland system as standard features. This advanced cockpit promises to bolster the CJ4’s reputation as the ultimate flying machine for single pilots—reflecting its certification—while still presenting right-seat controls for co-pilots. Redesigned winglets also boost performance.
In addition, Textron Aviation’s engineers enhanced internal acoustics to reduce decibel levels in flight and updated conveniences such as wireless charging, USB-A/C ports, and accent lighting around the seats. The interior can also be dressed up with custom leather upholstery and exotic finishes, including stone, to create a highly personalised signature.
