Lufthansa is preparing to unveil its new first and business class cabins. The unveiling will take place next month, and Michael Oakey, an aircraft interior design expert, says that the carrier has gone for a contemporary design rather than something more flashy and futuristic. He said that the cabin interiors will bring to mind luxury cars and private jets.

Lufthansa is following the lead of both Air France and British Airways, who have decided that rather than cut back on their offerings to premium class passengers in the wake of the global economic meltdown, they will innovate. In February, British Airways decided to spend £100 million on refitting its first class cabins. Passengers will now be able to utilise their own personal wardrobes and play with the newly fitted electric blinds. Air France has added a changing room, rather than the toilets, for those wishing to get ready for bed, as well as an art gallery to their A380 first class cabin.

Each of the airlines has made the refit to coincide with the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Lufthansa will be flying the German team out to Johannesburg on its inaugural A380 flight. The airline’s first class menu has also been given an overhaul by Holger Stromberg, a Michelin-starred chef, as well as official chef to the German World Cup squad.

Passengers will now be able to choose from dishes such as breast of quail on mango and peperonata chutney, saddle of veal with shallot compote and potato gnocchi, or coq au vin.