A Preview of British Airways’ New Business Class Seat
Jackie Reddy December 19, 2018
In 2019, business class passengers flying on British Airways A350s will enjoy sitting in seats that meet their demands. The seats – manufactured by Thompson Aero Seating – feature more storage space plus direct access to the aisle. It remains to be seen, however, if BA will add more customization.
Even when it comes to simply sitting, British Airways‘ (BA) business class passengers are a discriminating bunch. But those flying in BA’s Club World section on-board its new Airbus A350 craft, reports PaddleYourOwnKanoo, will soon be able to look forward to sitting in seats that have been tailored to meet their demands.
When it comes to features, the outlet reports that, “We now know the product will feature a wider seat with direct aisle access for every passenger, gate-to-gate seatback entertainment, increased storage, and more privacy.”
“At it’s most basic, the seat ticks all the boxes that customers have been demanding – direct aisle access and increased storage being the two most common items on frequent flyers wish lists,” it adds.
The seat itself – named as the Vantage XL – is designed by Thompson Aero Seating, a UK-based company. The Vantage XL is already in use with several different carriers, including SAS, South African Airways, Delta Air Lines and Qantas.
While BA is purchasing an off-the-peg product, the outlet reports that it remains to be seen if the carrier will opt to further customize the seat. The carrier is expected to take delivery of its first A350s – complete with these new seats – in 2019.
Offering insight into wider cabin improvements at the carrier, the outlet adds that, “While British Airways has promised a significant investment in its product and services over the next few years, the new seat will initially only be fitted to a handful of brand new A350’s and a small number of retrofitted Boeing 777’s.”
[Photo: Shutterstock]
Very misslieading snipped. The first top two pictures shows what I just flew on BA's 747. The seats are terrible. There is no storage. There is one drawer just above the floor and it is not accecible with the seat deployed. The window and two center seatts have JUMP OVER the legs of the other person. Most people cannot do it without kicking that person. The staff cannot service those seeats safely. There is no place for your reading stuff, no place for your phone, or tablet. If you lay down the table is unuseable. And generally this is very narrow. I also flew BA 747 in 1st. The 1st class seats are marginally better in that they have very little flat shelf for your staff, and you can sqeeze some things into the little gap for a magazine. Otherwise both 1st and Club World feel cramped even on 747. But the toilets are human size (unlike on 737Max), but not as comfortable as on SAS from 1980's.
Until British Airways keeps cramming 8 Business Class Seats in a row, I refuse to travel with them. I have traveled once and then on, its always someone else. Best so far has been Qatar, Air Canada, Etihad and Emirates
If that footstool is lowered then it still means stepping over legs to get out I think.
"more storage space" That wouldn't've been hard to do.