British Airways unveiled its new “Club Suite” business class product today, which will debut on the A350-1000 in July. The seat is arguably better than the current first class seat British Airways offers.
I say “arguably” better because first class will still have a superior soft product, but the new “Club Suite” is essentially BA’s current first class seat with a privacy door.
First, let’s take a step back and look at the new business class suite, which will include:
- 1-2-1 configuration with direct-aisle access
- 79-inch bed in lie-flat configuration
- Suite door
- 40% more storage than the current seat, including a vanity unit and mirror
- WiFi
- 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens with HD gate-to-gate programming
- PC / USB power
The seat is a modified B/E Super Diamond with the aforementioned sliding door.
We’ll see the new aircraft initially on routes between London and Madrid starting in July, and in October to Toronto (BA 93/92) and to Dubai (BA 106/107). Five aircraft are expected to offer the new business class by the end of the year (3 A350-100s, 2 refurbished 777-200s).
CONCLUSION
The final piece of goods news is that hopefully, this odd dilemma in which business class is better than first will only be a short-term issue. BA is also expected to unveil a new first class seat in the weeks ahead. But soon, at least on the A350-1000s, you’ll enjoy an equally-spacious, more private seat in business class than the rest of the fleet in first class. It’s no wonder BA chose not to include a first class cabin on the initial deliveries of the A350-1000s.
Doesn’t their first class not confine your feet in those little footwells? If so I’d say their first class is still better for people over 4 feet tall.
I disagree – the First seat will be far more spacious as your feet dont go into the seat infront which means you will have a lot more space. But I guess we will have to wait and see!
True, but the current seat is still so narrow.
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2017/06/07/review-british-airways-747-400-first-class/
The best seat is still the window seat of the current BA business class. Private. No foot well. Facing back, which I like.
I like it, too, though having to step over the person on the aisle to get out is a bit of a pain. I much prefer direct aisle access. Considering that BA’s food has improved greatly, their lounges are very good (the IAD lounge is one of the best there, admittedly not a high bar), and at the same time they tend to have good pricing and upgrade availability, they are pretty competitive for TATL.
Arthur seats 62 A and K on any BA 744 (used to IAD frequently as I take that flight often) solve your problem, with no stepping over someone and also have more legroom. 64 A/K do the same but abut the galley which makes the noisy. Book those seats in advance next time and problem solved!
How does the new seat have 40% more storage than the current one? 40% of zero under seat/ottoman storage is still zero…
In any case, the new seat looks nice, but I wonder how long it’ll take to retrofit all the planes…
Maybe they mean the little drawer?
How is seat width?
The dates and flights have been confirmed for BA’s A350 LHR-MAD familiarisation flights. For August and September, starting 6th August:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri – BA464/BA465
Thu, Sat, Sun – BA456/457 and BA464/BA465
A couple of dates are non-operational due to training and other requirements.