British Airways last launched a refresh on the Club World back in 2006. Ever since then, their very functional 8 across Club World seating has seen many aircraft, right from the older Boeing 747s to the newer Airbus A380s. British Airways Business Class has always been a controversial discussion.
For those who have travelled on British Airways Club World (Business Class) know that the seat isn’t cutting edge in today’s day and age. It is mediocre at best. It is narrow and lacks storage space. The good news then is, that British Airways is finally coming up with a new Club World seat. BA announced the schedule at their annual Capital Markets Day.
British Airways current Club World seat
The new British Airways Business class seat will be larger as compared to the current Club World seat, will feature increased stowage, privacy and floor space area. All new Club World seats will have an aisle access. It will have a gate to gate entertainment system. Currently, IFE screens need to be stowed during take-off and landing. BA has not confirmed the make of the new seat, however, there is a lot of information floating around about it.
Source: FlyerTalk
The above is a rumoured picture of the New Club World seat on the A350 which came to light way back in June 2016. It doesn’t look much different to me against the old one. But if BA is not adding the first-class cabin to the A35K, it indicates they may have a strong Business Class cabin. If it can be a world beater such as the QSuites onboard Qatar Airways A35Ks is yet to be seen.
Which aircraft will be the first to feature the new British Airways Business Class?
British Airways new Club World seat will debut with the Airbus A350-1000. The first Airbus A350-1000 is scheduled to be delivered in July 2019, with another 3 following within 2019. The Airbus A350-1000 will replace the ageing Boeing 747-400 in their fleet.
Apart from the A35Ks, 2 Boeing 777s will undergo refurbishment to feature the new Club World seats. So by end of 2019, a total of 6 widebody aircraft will have the new seats. British Airways is expected to accelerate refurbishment from 2020. Timeline for the refurbishment procedure hasn’t be shared yet.
Also on cards is a new World Traveller Plus seat. Travellers will also get an enhanced Soft product in terms of catering and bedding from Q1 2019.
Even British Airways First class will feature an improved Soft product in 2019. First Class will have an improved meal service in addition to better amenities and bedding. Do check out our review of the current British Airways First class onboard the Boeing 787.
Bottomline
British Airways is playing catch up, finally! They recently improved their soft product by bringing on board Do&Co for catering and now they are upgrading their hard product slowly. With this, the three Big European carriers are set to feature newer and better Business class seats in the coming years.
Are you excited about the fact that British Airways, 12 years later, will finally have a new Club World seat?
(H/T: AusBT)
And my bet is that BA will still be flying some planes with the old and worn 2006-style business class seats even in 2025.
BA (“bloody awful) business class seats won’t be entirely history for many years to come.
Second that.