Originally Posted by elitetraveler

The name dates from the 90s when CO did away with F. At the time the lounger they put in Business (with 55 inches pitch) was in the same ballpark as what most airlines were offering in international First (55-62 inch pitch loungers). Additionally the service from the cart appetizers and desert was more akin to the standard of First Class international at that time, hence CO named the service BusinessFirst.