In July 2021, German airline Condor placed an order with the European aircraft manufacturer for 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. A long-awaited announcement for this incumbent operator, which until now has only operated aircraft from the American manufacturer on its long-haul routes. The wait was short-lived, with the first aircraft delivered in December 2022, followed by a further 4.
This new-generation, more efficient aircraft (2.1 liters per passenger per 100km) symbolizes the revival of this leisure airline (particularly following the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook), with its new "beach towel" livery, which doesn't go unnoticed and has the advantage of attracting the attention of onlookers. In addition to this new visual identity, Condor has completely redesigned its cabins, with a clear move upmarket: premium colors in all classes, but above all a large 30-seat business cabin with direct access to the aisle and lie-flat seats. Flight-Report was invited to discover the German airline's new ambition during a trip to the Dominican Republic.
Flight routing
- 1DE2226 - Business - Francfort → Punta Cana - Airbus A330-900neo
Condor is present in Terminal 1 at Frankfurt airport.
The company's boutique boasts the new visual identity that has been the talk of the town.
check-in
An area is entirely reserved for Condor flights, with dedicated counters for Business and Premium Economy passengers.
The wait is short for me …
… and I quickly get my boarding pass. The hostess also tells me that the lounge used is the Lufthansa one, and that it's upstairs in the B-gate boarding lounge.
The formalities are completed quickly, but it takes a long time to reach the non-Chengen gates.
Our aircraft of the day arrives just at that moment.
D-ANRI was delivered in February 2023, and is one of five Airbus A330neo aircraft currently in the German airline's fleet.
The new Condor livery has not gone unnoticed, underlining the airline's positioning as a leisure operator specializing in sun destinations.
The Airbus A330neo promises to be 20% more economical than the Boeing 767, thanks to its Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 …
… and a redesigned, more aerodynamic wing.
lufthansa business lounge B44 (non-schengen)
Condor invites its Business passengers to use the Lufthansa lounges in Germany.
The offer is complete and satisfying at breakfast time.
My morning selection.
Back at the gate, the sun is now shining on our beautiful plane.
And its famous Zorro mask, mandatory for all A330neo aircraft.
boarding
Boarding begins a few minutes late, but with respect for priorities, passengers in "zone 1" are called first.
Two gangways are connected.
Boarding through Gate 1L.
While Condor's new livery is very leisurely, with bright colors, the opposite is true on board, with dark, premium hues.
The 30-seat Business cabin occupies the space between doors 1 and 2.
A special feature is the 4 best "Prime" seats in the first row, which feature larger screens.
I'll have the opportunity to test one of these seats, the 2K (with the 2A), in the first rows on the window side.
Condor has chosen French equipment manufacturer Safran Seats and its SKYLOUNGE CORE model for its new cabin.
Note that the lockers above seats 1E and 1F are missing.
Seat furnishings: comforter and pillow on seat.
Pair of mules on the ottoman.
Headset, water bottle, comfort kit and travel pouch on the console.
This is where you'll find the sockets (jack, USB A & C, mains) and the remote control for the entertainment system.
The seat controls are just below.
4-way adjustable headrest.
The ottoman on the "Prime" seats is particularly spacious, and even has a belt to accommodate a guest.
The small guest table and literature holder.
Pocket contents: security card and duty-free sales magazine.
Additional storage space.
And let's not forget the large 24-inch (61cm) 4K HD screen.
Service begins on the floor with a welcome drink: orange juice or sparkling wine.
Accompanied by a mix of nuts.
Outside, an Airbus A321, also sporting Condor's new livery, is being towed to its gate.
The chocks are removed, and we're ready for departure!
Rolling out for runway 25C.
Goodbye Frankfurt and its gloomy weather!
in flight
As usual, my first instinct is to switch on the geovision, the FlightPath3D interface.
The flight from Frankfurt to Punta Cana takes just under 10 hours.
Additional exclusive touches for passengers in "Prime" seats:
- Complimentary pyjamas.
- A basket of sweet and savory snacks (reminiscent of Emirates First).
- A voucher for WiFi (messaging only).
For all customers: the comfort kit and travel kit.
Classic contents: pair of socks, black-out mask, toothbrush …
… lip balm and face cream by WK.
The same striped motif can be found in the toilets.
lunch
The menu is presented in a large booklet.
The wine list includes a champagne…
….a choice of two white wines…
…and two red wines.
The rest of the menu features soft drinks, beer, spirits and hot beverages.
The table is a decent size, but not large enough for two.
A tablecloth is laid out.
Lunch service begins with an aperitif: I opt for a Gin & Tonic served with walnuts in a ramekin.
The menu features a single starter, a choice of 4 courses, a cheese plate and dessert.
Followed by the unique "land and sea" starter on a platter,
I switch to champagne for the meal.
The simple set of cutlery.
Starter
Oriental chicken couscous praline, smoked beef fillet slice, quinoa salad
Hot smoked salmon fillet, garden salad, beetroot cream
Arugula cream cheese
Baby greens salad with tomato and cucumber, balsamic cherry dressing
Very good, fresh starter.
We leave the old continent at the level of Ireland.
Next, the tray is cleared and the dish brought to the plate with a new set of cutlery. I keep my bread on purpose.
Main Course
Italian veak steak, gremolata butter, saffron risotto, spinach leaves
The dish is excellent and the cooking of the still pink veal is very satisfying.
Another example of a dish:
Cod fillet with bread mustard crust, brown butter sauce, mashed potatoes, creamed savoy cabbage with truffle, carrots
Cheese
Montagnolo | matured sheep's cheese | Gouda with pesto
Dessert
Cheesecake with wild berry sauce
I order an espresso to round off this fine lunch.
rest
In the cabin, most passengers enjoy the films available.
Passage through "Premium Economy", which doesn't have a differentiated seat, but a greater pitch (spacing between seats) of 35 inches (89cm) and a better backrest recline of up to 12°.
In economy class, the pitch is 30 inches (76cm) and the backrest reclines to 8.5°.
In both classes, a large 13.3-inch (34cm) HD 4K individual screen.
Back to Business to enjoy this full-flat seat.
With the promise of a 199cm-long bed.
The light comforter is pleasant, but the pillow is a little small and lacks softness.
mid-flight snack
No self-service area during the flight, but the crew does make a stop in the cabin to offer drinks, hot snacks and fruit salad.
Refreshment
Mexican puff pastry stick
Fresh fruit salad
Correct, but I wasn't really hungry, as lunch wasn't that far away.
entertainment system
The IFE remote control and headset.
The interface is available in many languages, including French.
Navigation is straightforward: just drag the 3 main categories to access all the sub-categories: My Trip, Entertainment and Condor Insights.
Films are plentiful, but the number of new releases is limited.
Lots of TV series and documentaries. No games, however.
A favorite of avgeek's is the series of reports on Condor, including this one on the difficult approach to Funchal.
Note that the company still offers duty-free sales on board; the selection is available on the screen and in the magazine in the pocket.
The pre-arrival service is offered 1h30 before our landing.
snack
Reminder of the menu.
Everything is presented on a tray with a single hot dish. I opt for green tea as a hot drink.
Imbiss
Seasonal greens with cucumber and cherry tomato, balsamic tomato dressing
Passion fruit cheese tart, pistachios
Bread | Roll | Butter
Hungarian goulash soup
It may not be very appetizing, but the dish was excellent and well spiced.
approach and arrival
Beginning of descent.
Mood lighting in the cabin.
Approach for runway 08.
Welcome to Punta Cana International Airport.
Taxi to Terminal A, which does not have a walkway.
It immediately puts you in the vacation mood!
video
PRACTICAL
Condor has a fleet of some fifty aircraft: Airbus A320s, A321s and Boeing 757s for its medium-haul routes to Europe, the Canaries and the Mediterranean Basin, and Boeing 767s for its long-haul routes, which are gradually being replaced by Airbus A330neo aircraft. It is also operating 6 Airbus A330ceo aircraft during this transition period.
Condor's Airbus A330-900neo aircraft are configured to accommodate 30 passengers in Business (including 4 "prime" seats), 64 passengers in Premium Economy and 216 passengers in Economy.
Routes operated by Airbus A330neo are growing and changing in step with new aircraft deliveries. Currently: Cancun, Las Vegas, Mauritius, the Maldives, New York JFK, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver receive Condor's A330-900neo.
From France, the airline offers pre- and post-haul services with Lufthansa from Bastia, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Rennes and Toulouse to its Frankfurt hub.
Trip realized by Flavien for Flight-Report with the participation of Condor.
