NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- British Airways has, today in London, unveiled its GBP 100 million next generation business class flat bed.
The new Club World bed is 25 per cent wider and offers more privacy, greater comfort, with more storage. 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.
It is part of an investment program 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.
Key features include:
-- Even more comfortable six feet long fully-flat bed that is 25 per
cent 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 may stow electronic items, a small
bag and shoes.
-- Standard 110v U.S. 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
programs, and play games on larger 10-inch digital screens.
-- An onboard Club Kitchen where customers may enjoy hot and cold
snacks in between meals.
Willie Walsh, British Airways' Chief Executive said: "British Airways set the industry benchmark with the launch of the first flat bed for business customers in 2000. Our new Club World flat bed re-establishes our position as market leader.
"Our premium cabins are our most profitable segment and we are re-configuring our aircraft to increase Club World capacity by eight per cent, 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 color 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 7:30 p.m., 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.
Notes to editors:
-- 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.
-- Premium cabins represent 20 per cent of BA's capacity.
-- Last year premium business grew over eight per cent.
-- British Airways flies more beds to more destinations than any
other airline with 5,000 Club World beds to 72 destinations.
-- 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 founded by Tyler
Brule.
The British Airways logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1862