British Airways » First

British Airways has now unveiled its new First class product. According to BA, the new seat will have between 55-60 per cent more personal space than the old product. 

For a more detailed description of the new seat, including exclusive first pictures, see BusinessTraveller.com.

The new seat will be rolled out on all B777s that feature the current First class. Once all those have been refitted, work will begin on the fleet of B747s, with everything expected to be finished by 2012.

Until then...

Notes on the current seat

How can you improve on the flat-bed Club World product? That is the problem BA attempts to solve with the First cabin. The answer comes in the exclusivity of the cabin, the service (crew receive special training for First duty) and the product itself, from the seat to the meal service and the lounges on the ground.

First class was last refurbished in February 2007, although there is a new First product due for launch in 2009/10. Rumour is that this will be more of an evolution than revolution, but that's to be expected. At present, the seat converts into a 6’6” fully flat bed, making use of an ottoman which is substantial enough as a seat for a travelling companion if you want to dine together.

First is on all 57 of BA's B747-400 fleet, and some of the B777 fleet. AVOD is being fitted to all of these aircraft so the IFE offering is the same as you would receive in economy. If the aircraft is still flying with the old IFE system  you have a choice of the old 12 or 18-channel system, and either a personal video player on the 777 aircraft (these used to be on the B747, but as AVOD has been fitted, they've been moved over) or a DVD player.

Accessories include an Anya Hindmarch-designed toiletry bag filled with Kiehls toiletries

There is also a ‘turndown service’ meaning you don't have to make your own bed when you want to sleep. The bed is made up with a mattress cover, duvet, pillow and pyjamas.