Good morning from Ulaanbaatar, as I simply flew MIAT Mongolian Airways’ Boeing 787-9 enterprise class on the eight hour flight from Frankfurt to Ulaanbaatar, as a part of my present assessment journey.
Can I begin by saying that it’s completely freezing right here? Okay, that’s not truthful. It was freezing in Frankfurt, and it’s practically 50 levels colder right here (in Fahrenheit). I’m fairly certain I received frostbites simply strolling down the jet bridge right here. Brrrrr… anyway…
It’s an thrilling time for mighty little MIAT Mongolian, because the airline is taking supply of two Boeing 787-9s, that are getting used to exchange the outdated Boeing 767-300ERs. I used to be trying ahead to trying out this product, provided that I reviewed the provider’s outdated lengthy haul enterprise class again within the day.
So, how was MIAT Mongolian enterprise class? It affords a aggressive exhausting product, however a very lackluster delicate product, whereas nonetheless being effectively intentioned. That being stated, given the fares that MIAT Mongolian costs, I’d say the airline affords distinctive worth.
MIAT Mongolian’s enticing enterprise class fares
I’ve to begin my acknowledging that MIAT Mongolian has very affordable enterprise class pricing, which is extra according to what you’d pay for premium economic system on different airways. For instance, my one-way ticket from Frankfurt to Seoul Incheon by way of Ulaanbaatar price $1,100. It’s not simply that I received some wonderful once-in-a-lifetime deal, however somewhat that is alongside the strains of the provider’s regular pricing. Nonstop tickets on the provider’s two lengthy haul routes — to Frankfurt and Istanbul — recurrently price below $1,000 one-way.
So I feel it’s vital to guage an airline primarily based on worth, and MIAT Mongolian affords phenomenal worth, in case you ask me. It’s additionally value addressing the kind of provider that MIAT Mongolian is — the airline serves a singular vacation spot, after which takes benefit of some connecting visitors by way of its hub. However it’s not like Air France or Lufthansa, the place they’re competing fiercely. MIAT Mongolian doesn’t have to supply the world’s finest enterprise class, as a result of the airline doesn’t function in terribly aggressive markets.
MIAT Mongolian’s enterprise class seats are generic however comfy
MIAT Mongolian picked up its Boeing 787-9s secondhand, as these gently used jets briefly flew for China’s Suparna Airways. The cabin has 30 reverse herringbone seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
These aren’t leading edge reverse herringbone seats, such as you would possibly discover on Air France or Starlux Airways, however somewhat they’re considerably outdated, and don’t have most of the bells and whistles that airways have added to their planes lately. The cabin additionally feels fairly generic, with out a lot persona. Probably the most thrilling design characteristic is the headrest covers, sponsored by Commerce & Growth Financial institution.
However hey, this represents a large enchancment, because the airline beforehand had angled seats in lengthy haul enterprise class.
Sadly the airline nonetheless hasn’t improved its bedding, which is marginally higher than what you would possibly usually discover in economic system. This looks as if a simple and pretty cheap funding for the airline to make, given its small fleet.
MIAT Mongolian’s enterprise class meals will not be nice
MIAT Mongolian’s enterprise class service felt nearly extra like what you’d get in premium economic system than in enterprise class. Maybe that’s even being beneficiant. There have been no menus, and your entire service circulate was mechanical, with restricted interplay.
Dinner was served after takeoff. There was no preliminary drink service, however somewhat about an hour after takeoff, a cart was rolled down the aisle with drinks, adopted instantly by the meals. The alternatives have been merely described as fish, beef, or lamb.
I chosen the fish, which was served on a single tray with (kind of impressively?) two appetizers, comprised of shrimp and quinoa, in addition to smoked rooster and ratatouille. The fish got here with some mashed potatoes and veggies.
As soon as the principle tray was cleared, every passenger was introduced a chocolate cake for dessert.
Then a really fundamental breakfast was served earlier than touchdown, consisting of fruit, yogurt, and a pastry.
The crew was courteous and pleasant, and so they did their finest to work with what they’d. However that’s not a complete lot — simply for example, the airline doesn’t even have nuts or packaged snack combine, so there actually isn’t a lot that they will give you.
MIAT Mongolian’s hilarious 787 leisure
MIAT Mongolian’s seat again leisure system consists completely of Mongolian leisure choices. The system has roughly a dozen Mongolian movies. On the plus facet, the collection of Mongolian TV exhibits was significantly better — there have been limitless episodes of Shark Tank Mongolia, Dancing With The Stars Mongolia, The Apprentice Mongolia, and The Voice Mongolia.
I had no clue what was occurring, however I couldn’t assist however really watch a few of these, and so they have been fascinating. The one different factor I watched on the seat again leisure was the map characteristic, which I discovered fascinating, provided that we spent many of the flight over Russia, and that’s not airspace we normally see a lot of these days.
So, what’s there for non-Mongolian passengers? Whereas MIAT Mongolian’s 787-9s have Wi-Fi domes, they don’t really provide Wi-Fi. As an alternative they simply provide streaming leisure via the Wi-Fi portal. The streaming leisure choice was fairly fundamental, although there have been a number of Hollywood films and TV exhibits to select from.
Until you’re Mongolian, I’d positively suggest bringing your personal leisure on the airline. Properly, except you’re like me, and revel in watching the Mongolian variations of many US exhibits, whereas having no clue what’s occurring.
Backside line
I’m glad I had the possibility to fly MIAT Mongolian’s new 787 enterprise class. The exhausting product represents an enormous enchancment over the provider’s outdated product, so it’s good to see the airline evolve.
I’ve to say, although, that is essentially the most boring lengthy haul enterprise class flight I’ve taken in a very long time. That’s not essentially a foul factor, there simply isn’t a lot to report on. The cabin is fundamental, there aren’t many facilities, the meals is okay and easy, and the service is pleasant sufficient.
Comparatively, MIAT Mongolian’s lengthy haul enterprise class delicate product is weak, and even perhaps uncompetitive. Nevertheless, given the provider’s pricing, I’d really say that the airline affords nice worth for cash.
Whereas I sort of want that the airline would make investments a bit extra in its premium expertise, I’m undecided there’s really an ROI there? You fly MIAT Mongolian enterprise class since you need to be comfy, and since you’re going to Mongolia otherwise you’re searching for an affordable connecting flight. I don’t assume a extra intricate service will do a lot to stimulate further demand.
What’s your tackle MIAT Mongolian’s 787 enterprise class?
