British Airways has launched its investment plans for customers, focusing on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all.
The investments include:
• £400m in Club World (long-haul business class)
• Introducing Club Europe on UK domestic services
• New lounges
• First Wing direct security and lounge access at Heathrow
• Latest generation Wi-Fi fitted on long-haul and short-haul fleets over the next two years
• Self-service check-in and biometric boarding gates to speed up the airport journey
Alex Cruz, chairman and CEO, said, 'We will invest and innovate where our customers value it most, and differentiate ourselves with a unique onboard experience and service. We're investing in Club World, focusing now on improved catering and sleep and in the future on a new seat.
'We're investing in the best Wi-Fi in the sky, new lounges and direct access to security and our lounges for our First customers, via our new First Wing at Heathrow. We're also aligning our business cabin and service across all our flights by introducing Club Europe on domestic flights.'
The airline will be investing £400m in Club World (long-haul business class) which will enhance the experience of dining at 38,000 feet and deliver an excellent night's sleep.
From June, new catering will be introduced in to the Heathrow business lounges to improve food quality and extend the breakfast service to 11am.
In the air from July. fresh new linen, bigger pillows designed for sleep comfort, a soft mattress topper and duvet to give customers all they need for a great night's sleep will be supplied.
From September a new restaurant-style premium dining service will begin in Club World, with display trolleys allowing customers to select dishes from a choice of freshly prepared starters and desserts served on beautiful new table settings. A revamped service approach will be delivered to customers with a new culinary boutique experience.
These changes will launch on flights between London Heathrow and New York JFK, before being rolled out across the rest of the long-haul network during 2018.
The airline is also developing options for a new seat in Club World with direct aisle access in 2019. Details will be released in due course.
The changes in service style will also be reflected in the Club Europe cabin on short-haul, including new crockery, cabin crew pouring wine and champagne for customers and improved menus on board, which focus more closely on the length and time of day of the flight.
Business and First customers will notice changes in lounges too, starting with the new complex at Gatwick Airport's South Terminal. With sweeping views of the runway, the new First and Club lounges have 40% more floorspace than the airline's former lounge in North Terminal.
Heathrow's Terminal 5 lounges will be revamped over the next few years, starting this month with the flagship Concorde Room for First customers, which will have new furniture and a refreshed look and feel.