Crystal Luxury Air To Take To The Skies With A Boeing 777

Crystal to work with Registry of Aruba in securing Air Operator's Certificate to launch around the world itineraries

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises, the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, is once again pioneering new fronts in the luxury travel industry with the purchase of a Boeing Business Jet B777-200LR, offering an array of global itineraries for its expanded brand extension Crystal Luxury Air. The announcement comes on the heels of Crystal's groundbreaking news in July of an extensive brand expansion, which will include extravagant air vacations around the world aboard a luxurious Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Crystal Luxury Air - Boeing 777 Artist's Concept

In addition to doubling the initial air projections with the expanded aircraft fleet, Crystal will work with the Registry of Aruba in developing and securing an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC). This will pave the way for Crystal Luxury Air to launch international operations. The twin-aisle BBJ B777-200LR will be redesigned to accommodate just 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats; a beautifully appointed lounge and bar; and offer 14- and 28-day around-the-world and international itineraries, beginning in 2017.

"Our mission is to make Crystal the core of what will become the world's premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand collection, not only for the immediate future, but for years to come," said Crystal Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. "The acquisition of our second luxury aircraft is another profound step toward establishing our goal."

The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200LR, and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which typically seats up to 300 passengers and will be redesigned to accommodate just 52 guests, will boast the premium luxury that discerning global travelers have come to expect from Crystal, including copious amounts of guest space, plush amenities and Crystal's world-class service and crew. Trips will include accommodations at the world's most luxurious hotels, the finest Michelin star-level cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs and fabulous local cultural entertainment. Additionally, the aircrafts can be arranged for special charters.

"Following our expansion announcement, travelers and travel agents expressed a strong interest in all-inclusive luxury air travel with a wider range of itineraries," says Crystal's President and CEO Edie Rodriguez. "Based on this enthusiastic feedback, we are growing our fleet to meet the demand from our guests and travel partners in luxury air options."

Crystal Cruises is the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, having earned more "World's Best" accolades than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Crystal Cruises has won "World's Best Cruise Ship" in Conde Nast Traveler's Reader Choice Awards for 22 years; been voted "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 consecutive years; and the "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Virtuoso in 2014. In summer 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, which will introduce three new classes of cruising – Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (July 2016), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (late 2018) – and Crystal Luxury Air Cruises (2017).