Next time you’re haggling for a business class upgrade with your accounts department, point them to Blacklane’s recent report Luxury and Productivity: The Changing Face of Travel and Work which claims that luxury experiences have a direct correlation to improved worker competency.
Blacklane says that its report monitors how business travel dynamics are evolving in terms of wellness and productivity and how the evolution of luxury amenities has the potential to enhance the competence of professionals overall.
According to a recent feature, business class spending in MENA is expected to grow by 11.2% by the end of 2024.
To this end, Blacklane’s report claims that 94% of business travellers believe that luxury services – such as chauffeur-driven transfers and business-class flights – significantly boost their productivity, which may be one indicator as to why the demand for luxury amenities in the region is increasing.
The report also claims that travel-related stress significantly impacts performance, with 86% of business travellers worldwide losing at least one hour of productivity during their travels. In the UAE, 83% of travellers face similar challenges, with more than a third (36%) losing between four and eight hours – a full working day – due to travel stress.
Commenting on the findings Blackland CEO Dr Jens Woltorf says that the report highlights a significant shift in consumer needs.
“Enhancing comfort and ensuring safety is no longer just an advantage, but a necessity to boost productivity, especially among executives. Understanding these evolving expectations is critical for the industry and businesses in general to better meet the needs of today’s executive travelers,” says Woltorf.
Blacklane Regional President MENA Nicolas Soussel agrees. Soussel argues that as the UAE continues to emerge as a hub for business travel, there is a growing appreciation for luxury services that cater to both efficiency and convenience.
“The demand for experiences that enhance productivity and wellbeing is growing among UAE-based executives. Our research shows that business travellers in the region prioritize solutions that reduce travel stress and boost their performance. The enthusiasm for private chauffeur services and first-class travel highlights the shift towards seamless, high-quality journeys designed to maximize efficiency ,” says Soussel.
According to Soussel, the data shows that the appetite for luxury travel experiences is at an all-time high. The report points to a growing trend whereby travellers in the UAE are increasingly looking for quality services when planning their trips.
For every 2 in 5 passengers (39%), the availability of luxury options such as business class flights and chauffeur-driven transfers is a critical factor when choosing to travel for business.
Privacy and safety (33%), punctuality (31%) and comfort (31%) is also a key priority.
According to Blacklane, data on UAE travel consumption reveals distinct patterns in flight activity, reflecting the high expectations of business travellers.
Dubai International Airport remains the busiest airport, with more than 12,000 flights registered so far this year and the average guest time at the airport is 47 minutes. This high volume of activity underscores the city’s role as a global business hub. Peak times occur during the morning of and weekday evenings, reflecting executives’ agendas as they move between key locations such as the DIFC and Downtown Dubai.
“These trends highlight the essential role of luxury and efficient services tailored to Dubai’s fast-paced career landscape,” says Soussel.
The report claims that the demand for luxury amenities is clear: nearly half of respondents expect accommodation in five-star hotels (51%) and private airport transfers (44%) to be standard features for business-class flights.
“Travellers understand that luxury services not only reduce stress, but also boost productivity. Around 4 in 10 people (42%) said it is important to have Wi-Fi throughout the trip, while others prioritized business class flights (40%) and a private chauffeur to travel within the city and carry out tasks (39%). These insights reveal a trend towards customized and effective solutions that help professionals make the most of their time,” says Soussel.
When it comes to combining business and leisure, Mastercard’s recent report Wealthy Travel 2024 wealthy individuals in the region – especially those between the ages of 18 and 34 – are almost double the likelihood of extending business trips in order to entertain themselves at a rate of almost double compared to the global average.
“Blacklane’s report confirms his shift, showing that 96% of business travellers in the UAE combine business and leisure,” says Soussel.
When asked about the impact of the combination of business and leisure, 88% of travellers in the UAE said it boosts their productivity, with 66% feeling more productive on such trips. Many survey respondents indicated that having exciting leisure activities motivates them to work harder (56%) and helps them stay focused.
This trend shows no signs of slowing down; 49% of UAE professionals are enthusiastic about an increase in business and leisure travel, and 37% expect an increase in luxury business trips over the next five years.
Blacklane’s commitment to providing a high-quality experience is clearly visible. The company offers a range of services ranging from airport transfers to roads connecting major cities, hourly chauffeur services, as well as city transportation services to meet all needs, and is one of the safest mobility services in the world, as the company shows an accident rate 60% lower than taxi services.
Notes from the editor: The survey was conducted by Censuswide in September 2024. Blacklane’s findings are taken from a survey of 1,000 UK Business Class passengers.