LONDON, Feb 11 – British Airways (BA) has announced the injection of £100 million (Sh11.9 billion) in revamping its first class cabins.
The airline is expected to debut the new design on its Boeing 777 flight to Chicago.
According to BA, the new first class cabin design was inspired by classic British luxury car brands Aston Martin and Jaguar. The move comes after ten years of operating premier seats by the BA and is aimed at creating an exclusive experience based on classic designs and luxury.
Key new features of the cabin include a personal wardrobe, a 15-inch in-flight entertainment screen, a leather-bound writing table and personal electronic blinds.
The beds now offer 60 percent more space at the shoulders.
British Airways’ head of customer experience Mark Hassell, said: “We have contemporised First and created an intimate private jet experience onboard. We have resisted gadgets and gimmicks and focused instead on simplicity and quality. Every feature has been carefully considered and researched to ensure we are giving our customers what they want.”
Actress Rachel Weisz who was on board to promote the launch of the design said: “For style, stellar service and complete luxury, it doesn’t get better than British Airways’ new First cabin.”
This latest move comes at a time the airline is faced with a strike by cabin crew next month, which could throw flights into chaos. It also comes as other airlines have been reducing the number of first class seats in their aircrafts, as they gamble with economic uncertainty.
Statistics from the International Air Transport Association show that demand for business and first class seating remains weak.
