British Airways unveils New Business Class

On Monday, British Airways unveiled its next generation business class flat bed. The new Club World bed is 25% wider and offers more privacy, greater comfort, and more storage.

The £100 million overhaul of Club World is part of an investment programme in the airline's products and services that includes enhancements to its First Class cabin and the introduction of an on-demand in-flight entertainment system in every cabin across the longhaul fleet.

Advances in design, technology and materials have been harnessed to take British Airways' flat bed concept to the next level, complemented by a new cabin interior.

Key features include:

- Even more comfortable six feet long fully-flat bed that is 25% wider.
- A new 'z' bed position that extends to six foot six inches and allows the body to assume a position similar to that in zero gravity, ideal for watching movies.
- Electronically operated privacy screens using an innovative opaque material, Lumisty.
- A laptop locker where customers can stow electronic items, a small bag and shoes.
- Standard 110v US style in-seat power socket that only needs a UK/USA adaptor.
- An enhanced in-flight entertainment system that allows customers to pause, stop, fast-forward or rewind up to 100 films and TV programmes, and play games on larger 10-inch digital screens.
- An onboard Club Kitchen where customers can enjoy hot and cold snacks in between meals.

Willie Walsh, British Airways chief executive said, “Our premium cabins are our most profitable segment and we are re-configuring our aircraft to increase Club World capacity by 8%, moving from 38 to 52 seats on some of our Boeing 747 aircraft.

“We are giving our customers what they want - not gimmicks and gadgets - but an environment that is comfortable, flexible and private, with service that anticipates their every need.”

The new interior features new lighting and a softer colour palette of neutral warm greys, navy and blue to create a relaxing and stylish environment. Thicker pale taupe quilts, new linen and pillows fabrics in the traditional Osborne and Little damask design complete the understated look.

At the same time the airline will introduce improvements to its first class service including the introduction of a new 'Turndown Service' on flights departing after 7.30pm, a new Anya Hindmarch washbag, new sleeper suits and for the first time, all customers will receive slippers. New catering will be introduced from January 2007. The enhancements, introduced across the longhaul fleet will be available from November 14, 2006 and come ahead of a planned major overhaul of the First class cabin.

The roll-out of new Club World will take up to 18 months. The first aircraft will be in service at the end of November 2006. New Club World will be available across the airline's fleet of 57 Boeing 747s and 43 Boeing 777s.

The Club World flat beds are designed by the airline's in-house design team, together with international design consultants, Tangerine and manufactured by BE Aerospace of Kilkeel, Northern Ireland. The cabin interior was created in conjunction with Winkreative, the design and advertising agency set up by Tyler Brule.

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