Originally Posted by
FrancisA
NNCW is more like a bit 2006/07! It isn't that old and what exactly would you change? The size of the video screen, perhaps?
To my mind the current CW offering is fine. It offers a fully flat bed that is comfortable both as a seat and as a surface to sleep on. The video screen is adequate (sure it could be bigger, but not economically at the time that it was designed).
I personally don't have any issue with the foot rest or the layout of the cabin. Indeed I would argue that CW on the UD of a 747 is one of the best business class layouts there is.
I can't see what significant changes BA could make to its CW product. If you change the footprint of the seat to given more room, then fewer seats means higher prices. If you change the seats just because they are a six year old design, then there is a cost to constant seat changes. It also takes time to roll out cabin changes (witness the numerous "tracking new" F, WT+,WT and a while back NNCW threads).
Maybe it's me, but I don't change my chairs at home every few years because they look so 2010!
Oh, I agree it takes time and it isn't trivial...but rolling out a new product in 2013 on a new fleet and phasing it in over four, five years gradually with minimum disruption to the fleet isn't such a bad idea. Okay, fine, NNCW is 2006. Still, it doesn't compare with the best in the business. And isn't BA supposed to be up there?
I like CW on the UD too - don't get me wrong. Yes, I always angle for 62A on my SFO-LHR sectors. But still - it's no patch on CX J, the new AA J (at least hard product), etc. I mean the aisle access from window seats is pretty meh in this config.
I'll grant I've not had the opportunity to experience CW on a 77W, so perhaps my perspective is skewed by the old(er) 744s, but I do believe it's time to start refreshing the product. And I still think the way to do that is to start with the new introductions to the fleet; refresh the birds that will stay for a while, and phase out the older ones without a refresh...
Here's what I think could use a refresh:
1. IFE
2. The footrest really doesn't make for an integral flat bed, and is pretty flimsy
3. Lumpy hard bits right under the seat cushion right about where my butt goes...not terribly pleasant for long periods - maybe that's just age showing but I've had it more than once
4. Flimsy tray tables - even a light laptop makes the darn thing list appreciably
5. Questionable aisle access for non aisle seats (you're climbing over someone regardless)
6. 2-4-2. Really? Let's see, who else does that? Oh yeah. United.
Again, don't get me wrong. I love BA, love CW in general, but I do think a refresh is due. Maybe I'm asking too much.