BRITISH Airways will complete the upgrading of its long-haul aircraft by summer 2001 when its new £200m Club World business-class product will be fully installed.
Key business routes to the US and the Far East will be the priority for the new product which BA started installing in January. Senior manager long-haul brands Jayne O’Brien said some economy seating will be removed to accommodate the forward and back-facing Club World seats. Cabins will be configured in a 2-2-2 formation, also taking up more space.
Seats are separated by screens, lie flat and have improved technology to allow computer access, on-board telephones and more television channels. Passengers will have individual overhead bin space.
Club Europe is also being upgraded with refurbished cabins and extra space for customers. This will be complete by September.
First and Concorde are also being improved during 2000.
BA is pinning its hopes of extra revenue from the new products as it continues to target premium travellers.