Originally Posted by Xeque
There is this wonderful picture of a new Gulf Air First Class seat (which can become a fully flat bed at the touch of a button or three) set up with a dining table and a 'jump seat' opposite for your luncheon/dinner guest and attended by a 'Sky Chef' (there's a joke to start with - he doen't cook anything) and a 'trolly dolly'.
The immediate thought springs to mind. Who will actually occupy the opposite seat? It certainly wouldn't be another First Class passenger because they will have their own dining table and opposite jump seat. Having paid a kings ransome for the privilege of occupying one in the first place would they be likely to give it all up to join someone else? I think not.
This arrangement is hardly novel. BA have now had it in the First suite for years.
AFAIK, it is indeed usually used by another First passenger when two are travelling together.
And BA are now far from alone in having such an arrangement.