I think one of the most important things is that once you get to a pitch of about 55' anymore really doesn't add any really value, the differentials at that stage are, service and to a lot of people the recline of the seat.

In terms of fully-flat beds BA have copyrights on several design features. The majority of other carriers have 'flat seats' (for legal purposed a flat seat is one which is level but not horizontal) this is the type of seat Virgin etc have.

Qantas, BA and arguably Swissair have fully-flat beds (defined as being level and horizontal).

There has been some success is saying that a flat-seat cannot be termed a 'bed'. But a fully-flat seat can be termed a 'bed'!


It terms of service differentials I think one of the major differences between Business and First is that the small number of First passengers and passenger:crew ration, allow a much more tailored service. For example, food is normally 'cheffed' rather than reheated, and can be served at the passengers convienience as opposed to to fit in with the requirements of the crew.

In my opinion the service differentials are very real, and there exists a big difference between a Business Class product or a Business/First product and a First product.

Nick