BA launches New Club World

The first airline in the world to introduce a truly lie flat business class seat (horizontal) has now upgraded its seat to be longer and wider, with more privacy.

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BA's new club world is easiest seen in the website http://www.newclubworld.com

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It is to be rolled out on all of its 747s and 777s in the next 18 months, and is definitely a step forward. From appearances the seats look more comfortable and spacious, and will help given Virgin Atlantic and others a run for their money - though - from appearances, it looks like Singapore Airlines' new business class product will be a more comfortable seat (although remember Singapore Airlines is not yet retrofitting its 747s and current 777s with the new seating).

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So there you have it - the second generation of lie flat bed seats, we will see what Virgin Atlantic does in response.

Austrian introduced angled lie flat seats in business and upgrades service

Austrian Airlines (Star Alliance) has upgraded its long haul business class seating and service to standards that broadly reflect those of its bigger neighbour airline Lufthansa.

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Austrian does not have an extensive long haul network, with flights to the USA, Asia and Australia hubbing at Vienna (although the route to Australia will be discontinued before the end of the year unfortunately - meaning no continental European airlines will now fly to Australia).

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The new seats look like being one of the best angled lie flat products around - but again, why bother upgrading to angled lie flat seats when the world's leading airlines are moving to fully lie flat in business class? Similarly, it has two entertainment systems- the Airbus A340s and A330s have an on demand system, while the Boeing 777s and 767s have a looped multichannel system. However, on the bright side Austrian has an excellent reputation for in flight food, claiming six courses in business class. As a part of the experience that is often neglected, Austrian does deserve credit for putting effort into catering.

Singapore Airlines announces major upgrade

Well, not to be outdone by Cathay Pacific and concerned it has slipped behind the likes of Virgin Atlantic (49% owned by Singapore Airlines), BA and others in business class (the Singapore Airlines business class Spacebed is an angled lie-flat seat), Singapore Airlines (without question the leading airline in quality in the Star Alliance) has announced significant improvements to all three classes which will be launched with its first new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in December.

Singapore Airlines was meant to launch the new products as the first airline with the new Airbus A380, but that has been delayed until next year (and apparently is a further improvement on what is below). All new long-haul Singapore Airlines aircraft will have this product, and it is expected that some of the new 777s will be on routes to and from Australia and NZ. I expect within the next year Singapore Airlines will have this new product on all routes that compete with BA, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa.

The biggest improvement is in Business Class (above), (no longer Raffles Class), with what is definitely the widest and longest horizontal lie-flat seats in business class ever. The proof will be in the testing, but this looks like quite possible the best business class seat in the world. The seat is 30 inches wide. There is an 15 inch AVOD screen, with 2 USB ports and essentially equipped with a miniPC (with what appears to be an "office suite" of software). The idea being you don't need to take a laptop on board, just a USB stick. Hmmmm fine until you get to the other end! Other details like luggage storage within your seat space, duvet in addition to pillow/blanket. The entertainment system has over 500 CDs and is a further step up from the already excellent Krisworld.













First Class gets a wider longer suite as well. 35 inches wide, it's easily the width of a single bed, with a 23 inch entertainment screen (and the same software/USB ports as the business class seat). This is more a larger version of what Singapore Airlines has now, than a revolutionary step forward, unlike Cathay Pacific which has essentially chosen a bed with an adjacent seat. Nevertheless, both airlines have reputations for impeccable first class service - so the battle is on - only Emirates is a rival in First, and that is the only class Emirates comes close to being competitive in.
















Economy Class has also had a spruce up, with seat redesigned to create a little more legroom, a few little compartments for glasses and personal items. A new 10 inch screen, power supply at every seat and, yes, the screen also has a mini-PC with a USB port and "office" software. So a level of computing power at every seat! Nobody can beat that, yet. Blankets and a renewed menu (for all classes) mean Singapore Airlines has evolved economy class, rather than made a big leap forward. It has 32" seat pitch, which is nothing special (Singapore Airlines has bigger seat pitch on its current 777s). Cathay's new seats are a far bigger leap forward.



















So there you go, Singapore Airlines has lifted the bar. Easily the best Business Class, excellent First Class and highly competitive Economy Class. Time for the rest of the Star Alliance to look to catch up, and I'm looking especially at United - which remains two generations behind.

Cathay Pacific launches major product upgrade

Cathay Pacific (One World) has announced a significant upgrade of all three classes as of next year. As an airline that pretty much deserves its five star Skytrax ranking, it is excellent news that it is now moving to be ahead of the game once more with new seats that, at the very least, put it on a par with the best available today.

In First Class (pictured) it is taking a step beyond all other airlines. More space, with a private closet, 17" screen with AVOD. With a longer wider lie flat bed seat, there is a separate side seat so passengers can choose to be seated or lie in a bed. Cathay has always been rated as having one of the best first classes and will be maintaining that status with this new product.

In Business Class, Cathay Pacific, after only introducing angled lie flat seats four years ago has made the jump to horizontal lie flat beds - similar to Air New Zealand. With BA, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways, Air NZ, Iberia, LAN Chile and now Cathay going horizontal, it is clear that this IS the new standard. Cathay has essentially bought seats similar to Air NZ's new Business Premier class, except unlike Air NZ/Virgin Atlantic the seat does NOT flip over for a mattress side, but reclines fully flat with one surface. With Air NZ and Virgin Atlantic having similar seats between London and Hong Kong, and BA with its own fully lie flat product, the differences between seating for the airlines are small - it will be more about service. In addition, a 15" monitor has been installed with full AVOD.

Economy Class does not go untouched, in fact Cathay can be said to have led the way now with its new economy class seats. It needs it, it only gets a 3 star ranking with Skytrax overall in economy mainly because of the seating and catering. The seats recline within a shell, so you no longer have economy class seats reclining back into the row behind. This means more room and no complaints when you do recline. The seat pocket is now below the seat so there is a bit more room. In essence Cathay has taken a seat which does the most with the limited space in economy. I'd like to know if Cathay still uses the 32" seat pitch, which frankly is only a suitable standard for regional international routes, not long haul. Nevertheless, this is a step forward that is world leading, with a 9" monitor and AVOD - this gives Cathay one of the best economy class seats in the world. The only question is whether with the seat bottom sliding forward during recline that this costs you legroom (although removal of the seat pocket partly compensates). It will be interesting to see what passengers think.

All of this puts Cathay Pacific undoubtedly at the top of OneWorld alliance in terms of quality, and gives something for BA and Qantas especially to aspire to (Qantas in particular is lacklustre in economy and first class).

bmi upgrades business class - to remain below BA and Virgin Atlantic

bmi, the Star Alliance carrier of the UK, which primarily is a low-cost carrier around Europe, also provides long haul services to North America and the Middle East. It has a 3 star Skytrax ranking, and deserves it. Its long haul business class has 4 stars and has a good reputation for service, but still has the reclining "cradle" seats that were the standard of the late 1990s - the type that is still standard on most US airlines and on regional business class in Asia/Australasia.

By June 2007 it will have new business class seats on its Airbus A330 aircraft with 80" seat pitch (bmi has no first class), which is generous (similar to first class on other airlines). The seats are angled lie flat seats very similar to the current Singapore Airlines Spacebed. It is about time, but with BA and Virgin Atlantic both having had horizontal lie flat seats in business class for some years - bmi is still behind the ball. It's an improvement and Star Alliance frequent flyers will welcome it - but given that Cathay Pacific has just announced new business class seats that REPLACE seats like this, bmi is a generation behind.

Delta Airlines becomes first US carrier to introduce lie flat beds in business

Finally!! Northwest was first with angled lie flat business class a couple of years ago, American announced a few months ago it would do the same. United and Continental still have long haul international business class seats that are two generations behind airlines like BA, Virgin Atlantic, Air NZ, Iberia and soon Cathay Pacific. Delta (in the Skyteam alliance) has leap frogged the angled lie flat design and gone for gold - and is acquiring similar seats to Virgin Atlantic, Air NZ and Cathay with horizontal lie flat angled business class seats.

Starting with its brand new Boeing 777LRs, they will also be installed on the rest of the international 777 fleet with full conversion achieved by 2010. Delta, while ranked 3 star overall (like other US airlines), is ranked 4 stars in international business class and has aimed to upgrade service and catering.

So kudos to Delta for making the leap, it could well have a business class of world standard next year and be outside the reputation that international business class travellers hold "all US airlines are crap". It also helps to lift the standards of the Skyteam Alliance, which frankly is the poor cousin in quality terms among the three main airline alliances.

LAN introduces flat beds in business and new economy class

LAN – OneWorld – Chile

LAN of Chile has started introduced a new Premium Business Class product on its Boeing 767-300 fleet that operate long haul flights to North America and within South America.
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“ This will incorporate the new full-flat, 180-degree recline seats, which are only available from a select group of airlines in the world, offering passengers greater comfort for sleeping in a completely full-flat horizontal position. Down comforters and soft pillows create a true bed experience, and dividing panels between seats offer maximum privacy during the flight.”
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Interiors and inflight entertainment have also been upgraded:
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“The inflight entertainment also reaches a superior level with larger 15.4-inch individual video monitors that offer high definition and widescreen, and an updated audio-visual content with an audio and video on demand system that allows passengers to choose from eight films and 20 short programs with the ability to fast-forward, rewind or pause selected films. In addition, there are 14 interactive video games and a true musical library with 100 CDs to choose from and enjoy with quality digital sound from the latest generation in advanced noise-canceling headsets that notably reduce the external noises of the cabin, producing a pleasant sensation of privacy.The aircraft interior has also been modified, offering a larger space and improved lighting. Other elements of the new service, including such items as dishes, glasses and serving trays, among others, have been redesigned with the new modern and elegant style consistent with the new Premium Business service.”

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All in all, this should lift LAN’s Business Class product above that of all current carriers in North and South America. It is great to see another airline introducing truly lie flat seats in business, not angled flat seats like others have been introducing. This does mean LAN is leaping ahead of most of its competition. Hopefully it will justify a rating increase from 3 stars soon.

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Economy Class is also being upgraded with new seats and seatback video screens:

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“This transformation of the Boeing 767-300 fleet also includes improvements in economy class with the objective of making a more pleasant travel experience. It includes new seats with larger individual video monitors with high definition and widescreen in each seatback. Passengers are now able to directly choose from various audio and video on demand programming options using an easy touch screen menu or remote control. The new economy seats also have an increased recline with forward-sliding cushions that offer a greater sense of comfort. Adjustable headrests, as well as increased space for personal carry-on items and cup holders at each seat, and new dishes, carpeting and other items such as pillows and blankets are also available.”

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Hopefully, LAN will extend this to other long haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A340s for flights to New Zealand/Australia and Madrid. Nevertheless, LAN has definitely positioned itself as the premier South American airline, and this indicates that it is shifting from having a first and business class, to having a more upmarket business class for premier travellers.

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More details here

and an interactive display of the new business and economy classes is here.

Iberia upgrades European and domestic fleet interiors

Iberia - OneWorld - Spain

Iberia has already ordered 79 new Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft to modernise its European and domestic services, and will be refurbishing its remaining short to medium haul Airbuses. The upgrade is described below:
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“An array of grey hues is used for carpeting, curtains, and seats, which are upholstered in leather of the highest quality for maximum comfort, and doubles-stitched into rounded forms. The seat frames are also of new design, and will both enhance comfort and optimise the use of cabin space. The seat backs are more curved and lighter, and are more distant from the knees of the passengers in the row behind. The magazine pouch is positioned high on the seat backs, and there is additional free space under the seats, allowing the passengers behind to extend their legs. "

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Iberia’s reputation in economy class is not good, and it is ranked as a 3 star airline by Skytrax. This, along with an upgrade of food on sale for European/domestic flights should improve its reputation.

Finnair upgrades long haul business class to angled lie flat seats

Finnair - OneWorld - Finland

Finnair has announced that it has installed new angled lie-flat business class seats on all of its long haul aircraft (Boeing MD-11s and Airbus A340s) . Finnair reports:
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With the lie-flat seats, the space between seats will increase from the current 127 cm/50 in. to 160 cm/63 in. – the most comfortable seat in its class. The new seats provide more privacy for rest and work. Passengers can stretch out and lie flat – even if they are 2 metres/6 foot 7 in. tall.
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The seats look, with privacy screens and the rest, to be just like most other angled lie-flat seats being installed by other major European airlines, like Lufthansa and Scandinavian. It stops Finnair slipping behind, and at least the guarantee that all long haul flights will now have the new seats is positive.

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This finally brings Finnair up to international standards and has been matched by an increase in traffic. It has a 3 star Skytrax rating overall, including for long haul business class. This ought to make a difference to an airline that appears to be trying to bring its standards up to par with most of its competitors.

American Airlines upgrades international business class with angled lie-flat seats

American is installing new angled-lie flat seats on its Boeing 767-300 aircraft by early 2007, followed by its Boeing 777s from 2007. American is also installing a fully AVOD entertainment system for business class.

Detail in this press release and on its website.

In short, American is finally coming up to the standards that many international airlines (e.g. Singapore, Cathay) have had for four to five years. This is a positive step forward and it can only be hoped that the AVOD system extends to all classes. That would definitely put American ahead of other US carriers. However, by the time it has done so, many of those airlines will already be into their next generation of seating.

American Airlines upgrades premium US domestic transcontinental food service

American Airlines - OneWorld - USA

American Airlines has upgraded the food service on major US transcontinental routes and some international routes for business and first class passengers, as well as expanding its economy class “purchase on board scheme”:

Throughout First and Business Class, dining and beverage options are complimentary. New transcontinental dinner entrees in First Class include beef filet with (Japanese) miso demi-glace and cilantro potatoes; salmon with sweet potatoes and haricot vert carrot medley; and grilled chicken breast with vegetable canneloni and broccolini. Business Class passengers will feast on dinner entrees including tortellini with red roasted peppers; beef fillet with madiera demi, augratin potatoes and asparagus; and beef torta roma with spinach gnocchi and a mushroom beef sauce. In addition to the ever-popular ice cream sundaes, grand marnier fruit has been added as a First Class dessert option, and seasonal fresh fruit as a Business Class dessert option. The new lunch menu features soups, salads and sandwiches. Examples of the new soups include navy bean with portobello mushrooms, asiago with garlic croutons, cream of chicken with wild rice and corn chowder with red peppers. Sandwich choices consist of a roast beef au jus or roasted chicken. The breakfast menu features morning favorites such as a cheese vegetable omelet with fire roasted turkey sausage, basil pesto potato wedges and fire roasted pepper sauce; and a three-cheese omelet with saffron onions and potato sausage hash. In addition, for late-night snackers, fruit and cheese and antipasto plates are among the new offerings.

Competition at the premium end of the US domestic market is clearly intensifying much as competition has for price conscious passengers. United’s P.S. premium service has motivated American to differentiate itself by food. Clearly there is a market for high quality service within the US - this appears to be a higher priority than service on international routes.

Aer Lingus to leave OneWorld alliance

Aer Lingus - OneWorld - Republic of Ireland

Due to Aer Lingus becoming a low cost carrier for most of its business, Aer Lingus has decided to withdraw from the OneWorld alliance. OneWorld as a full service carrier alliance obviously cost too much for Aer Lingus to continue supporting. Aer Lingus is seeking bilateral relationships with OneWorld carriers, but Aer Lingus frequent flyer points will not contribute to OneWorld frequent flyer tier status. The timing for the departure from OneWorld has yet to be announced.

Northwest retires DC-10s, improved product on A330s

Northwest – Skyteam – USA

Northwest will phase out its DC-10s by 2007. Northwest Airlines, one of the largest remaining operators of the long out of manufacture, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, is finally to retire its remaining aircraft in favour of Airbus A330s and Boeing 747-400s.

The A330 will offer the following according to Northwest:

Northwest’s A330s are equipped with the airline’s World Business Class lie-flat seats, new seats in coach class, and an in-flight entertainment system in both cabins that Northwest was the first North American airline to offer.

The fully interactive in-flight entertainment system offers a wide variety of music, movies, short subject programs, games, shopping and in-flight information, all “on demand,” giving customers the freedom and flexibility to start, pause or stop at any time. The gateway to all of these features is a convenient retractable controller, making it easy to access from any sitting position, as opposed to stationary controllers fixed on armrests.

In World Business Class, Northwest customers are able to view any of these features on a 10.4 inch/26.4 centimeter video screen, 50 percent larger in size than the screens found in business class seats on other U.S. airlines, and a number of international airlines. Northwest customers traveling in coach class are able to view any of these features on a personal video screen in the back of the seat in front of them.

World Business Class travelers enjoy an array of features including a seat that reclines 176 degrees (more recline than other U.S. airline), a leather-wrapped privacy canopy, 60 inches of space between seats, 110-volt personal laptop computer power, cycling lumbar support, a six-way adjustable headrest that slides along a track so it can be adjusted to a traveler’s individual height, and four seat-back storage pockets.

Northwest’s A330s also feature a completely new coach class seat, offered in a two-seat, aisle, four-seat, aisle, two-seat configuration throughout much of the aircraft. As a result, no seat is more than one seat away from an aisle. The new coach seat features a “winged” headrest, with bendable sides, allowing the customer to rest their head or sleep toward the side of the seat. "

An airline with a less than glorious reputation will have AVOD, near lie flat business class seats (which it did introduce a couple of years ago) and new economy class seating which sounds like what some major international airlines introduced about a decade ago.

Clearly the airline is somewhat healthier than it has been, and this will be a step forward having a consistently better service than most other US airlines. Northwest was the first to introduce (angled) lie-flat seats among North American carriers, but it will still take more for it to be ranked better than 3 stars.

Korean Air starts live TV on board long haul flights

Korean Air – Skyteam – Republic of Korea

Korean Air has started live TV broadcasts to passengers on long haul international flights. The service is available on all flights with the Connexions high speed internet service, which will ultimately include all Korean Air long haul Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft by 2007. Four channels are being provided – BBC World, CNBC/MSNBC, Euronews and Eurosport. They are accessed only through passengers’ laptops logged into the Connexions service.

Korean Air introduces amenity kits for long haul economy class

Korean Air – Skyteam – Republic of Korea

Korean Air has started supplying an inflight amenity kit for long haul economy class passengers on routes to Oceania, North America, the Middle East and Europe.

Economy class passengers will receive a complimentary kit consisting of a soft eyeshade, knitted socks and dental set in a convenient travel pouch. The service is designed to increase cabin convenience with items that are known to increase inflight comfort.

CSA upgrading long haul business class

CSA Czech Airlines – Skyteam – Czech Republic

CSA has announced an upgrade of its long haul international business class service. Its Airbus A310 fleet is to be refurbished with new seats (wider for a 2-2-2 rather than 2-3-2 configuration), PC power sockets and a new inflight entertainment system. The system will be fully introduced by June 2007, although it is unclear what sort of seats are being acquired or the type of entertainment system. With a current Skytrax ranking of 2 stars for longhaul business class, despite an overall 3 star ranking, it is hoped that CSA can bring its international business class service offering to 3 star or beyond.

CSA improves passenger comfort on long haul flights

CSA Czech Airlines open new Crystal Lounge at Prague

CSA Czech Airlines – Skyteam – Czech Republic

CSA Czech Airlines has opened a new lounge at Terminal 2 in its homebase airport, Prague Ruzyne. The lounge is for business class travellers of CSA Czech Airlines, and Skyteam airline travellers at the Terminal, as well as top tier frequent flyers.

There are three separate areas in the lounge: relaxation, café and conference zone. While waiting for their flights, passengers can relax in comfortable, spacious armchairs and take advantage of privacy in the relaxation zone. Eight computer stations with the Internet facilities, 19 connections for lap-tops and WI-FI are also available. Refreshments served in the lounge depend on the time of the day and include fresh bakery products, vegetable and fruit salads and open sandwiches.

Skyteam agrees to co-locate to London Heathrow Terminal 4

All the Skyteam airlines that fly into Heathrow have agreed to progressively shift their terminal operations from Terminals 2 and 3 to more integrated operations at Terminal 4 by 2008. This will facilitate easier connections between the airlines, and includes some upgrade of service areas and checkins. It will follow BA’s shift of its major international operations from Terminal 4 to the new Terminal 5, which will provide ample capacity for all Skyteam airlines to use Terminal 4. In addition, it will coincide with the closure and demolition of Terminal 2 (which is to make way for expansions of Terminals 1 and 3). While Heathrow is not a base for any of the Skyteam airlines, and none of the Skyteam US carriers are currently permitted to fly to Heathrow, this will increase the attractiveness of the airport for international connections for Skyteam frequent flyers.

KLM press release

Delta upgrades international economy and business class service

Delta Airlines - Skyteam - USA

In a rare move among airlines worldwide, as airlines focus on economy for economy class passengers, Delta has announced an upgrade of its international coach class service:

"Beginning July 1, customers seated in the coach cabin on most of Delta’s international flights will receive printed menus; a complimentary choice of cocktail, including the new Mile High Mojito or Mango Kiss, beer or wine during the main in-flight meal service; and a mid-flight snack. Later this fall Delta will provide coach customers with their own personal amenity kit that will include eyeshades and ear plugs for a more relaxing flight. Also, more customers are already enjoying more comfortable all-leather seats in coach class as the airline continues refurbishing its international aircraft interiors."

So a catering upgrade and amenity kit, with refurbished seats. A tremendous step forward, which hopefully other US carriers will follow. The poor reputation of US carrier international economy class, with alcoholic drinks being charged for, might be taking a tentative step forward. Delta detailed the new midflight snack:

Delta’s new mid-flight snack service will offer customers:
On flights from the United States to Europe, a choice of grilled cheese crackers, peanuts, Biscoff cookies and Sunchips®;
On flights from Europe to the United States, a vanilla ice cream cup; and
On flights to and from India, a choice of Toblerone chocolates, shortbread cookies, nuts or snack mix

Previously Delta announced an upgrade of Business Elite Class (Delta has no international first class product) as follows:

These in-flight upgrades complement Delta’s introduction of an improved international BusinessElite® experience with more comfortable all-leather seats, digital on-demand entertainment at every seat, and a new personal dining experience on select international flights created exclusively for BusinessElite customers by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein. In addition, all international customers can check-in using new self-service kiosk technology with passport scanning capability at Delta’s Atlanta, Cincinnati and New York-JFK international gateways.

Delta's BusinessElite seats remain cradle seats of the 1990s (pictured), so are rather behind world class standard in 2006. This is a shame, since both United and American have announced upgrades to their international business class seating, Delta has a chance to be better than its two big US rivals. However, nice to see service being improved with AVOD and better catering. Delta is also providing hot food in lounges, which is something rare in European airline lounges. US carriers are typically well behind the world in seating and service, on the service front it looks like Delta is coming closer to the world standard. It's a shame that seating is still two generations behind the best in business class, as most business travellers at the end of the day, pay for the seat more than anything else. While that is the case, it is unlikely to get a 4 star Skytrax ranking.

Delta upgrades International Coach class service

Delta new BusinessElite experience

Asiana - New Long Haul Business Class

Asiana- Star Alliance - Republic of Korea

Asiana has announced that it is introducing a new business class on services operated by its brand new Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft.

This includes:

New seats which recline flat to 167 degrees with 60 inch room between seats.
15 inch monitors with AVOD (30 movies)
Internet access
Larger bathrooms with full length mirrors

Conclusion?
A good step forward, Asiana is catching up with Korean Air, with angled lie flat seats. Competitive with most regional carriers, it brings Asiana up to the standard for most major international carriers. This should improve its long haul Business Class seat rating from 3 to 4 stars, but as an otherwise 4 star rated airline by Skytrax, and with live internet access on board, Asiana is not only a serious contender for flights to and from South Korea, but also for transit through Seoul's new Incheon Airport.

Asiana New Business Class

Purpose

This blog exists to update improvements and reductions in service by major international airlines worldwide. The focus will be on Star Alliance, OneWorld and Skyteam airlines, and major independent carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Emirates.

The intention is to cut through the hype, and describe seating, entertainment, catering, service levels and other innovations.