Tobias-UK

orbitmic

You know I often agree with you on many things, but here, I'll admit that I am not really following the complaint. I love private seats so for me the advantage of the Q suite (just like CW window seats) is that you can get full privacy if you want. However, if you find that mode claustrophobic, with the Q suite, you just leave the very large door open and you are then in a seat which is more or less as open as the BA F seat on the A380 (the seats are very different, I am only commenting on the privacy element) which I believe that like me you quite like. That is actually not possible with CW window or centre seats which are "obligatorily" enclosed (at least as long as we use the dividers - and even leaving the divider open would make it very significantly more enclosed than a Q Suite with the door open).

In that sense, I can't see how the Q Suite is anything else than the best of both worlds in that there is certainly no need or obligation to be enclosed if you find it claustrophobic, but you just can if you wish to. In fact, I've noticed on my Q Suite flights (quite a few in the past couple of months!) that there are always people doing both things.

The only seat I can think of as giving even more choice is the AF P seat as the thick curtain is a lot more private if you choose to use it (in that it is full height) but can leave the seat with any degree of openness when you choose to open it. That is arguably the "perfect choice" for ultimate choice but requires a level of detail and floor space that few other airlines (and certainly not BA) are currently willing to commit.

Finally, while I am all for choice, I am guessing that the industry trend is most definitely towards privacy. The discussion reminds me of the one to be found on the AF forum before AF introduced fully flat seats. Quite a few posters who really loved the old AF seats were openly against introducing fully flat beds because they said that in effect, in their experience, those were never quite as comfortable in sitting position as the best cradle seats and they liked to be as comfortable as possible whilst working. They had a point of course (it is actually true that cradle seats are typically a lot more comfortable in sitting position and that many full flat seats are not) but ultimately, the industry trend and market research pointed out too strongly towards fully flat bed for their argument to continue being heard by the airline. All the various polls I've seen (and there have been quite a few published in recent years) suggest that J and F pax demand more privacy nowadays so I fear that on that front too, even if you are far from the only one preferring more "openness" in the cabin, my guess is that this particular argument will not be audible very long compared to the trend towards greater privacy, individualisation of space, and enclosure.

HIDDY

Some people here relate FT gathered evidence to real life when it comes to running an airline. If what you see on here reflected the truth BA would have gone bust years ago.

Sixth Freedom

The truth is that most airlines and indeed most big companies and certainly most public bodies are badly run, surviving mainly on inertia, and I am sure that BA is no exception!

One day BA will cease trading. So will Google. So will Tesco. Maybe not in our lifetimes, but one day - such is the nature of creative destruction...

HIDDY

You're cheery today SF?

Jagboi

Interesting to see the route map on slide 106 talking about the strength of the transatlantic network, and showing YYC - a place they no longer fly to...

Mordac

I thought it had just done seasonal?

Jagboi

I don't believe there has been official word. No matter if a temporary or permanent cancellation, they are still not flying for the winter season. Seems dishonest to tout the strong network on routes not currently flown.

simons1

My view isn't important. BA's is.

The only fact here is first class cabins are being downsized or removed. I believe there will be a commercial case for doing so.

You may believe otherwise, but it is clearly happening nonetheless.

DFB_london

no2blues

Is the webcast downloadable? I've got the slide presentation but am interested in hearing what was said.

Talking Penguin

Calgary resumes 31/03/2019. Tickets are currently available for S19. Not sure if it'll stay as a summer seasonal route or whether it'll return to a year round route though. I'm assuming 787 issues will play a role in this decision as well.

However, you are correct with regard to some of the slides showing routes no longer flown to. Luanda was certainly one I saw a few times. It was also interesting how irregular CHS, DUR, and KIX appeared on some of their maps.

SinoBritAsia

Here we go, listen to the IAG Capital Markets Day here, registration is easy: IAG - International Airlines Group - Event Details - go to "Click here for webcast"

And it is also easy to flick through the slides to the relevant sections: in this case British Airways and the Q&A sections

HMPS

" Give us time, we are getting there" !



Sure, we are improving, never mind the competition was there years ago ! And is marching on...
It does, will happen, who remembers BOAC ? And tens of other airlines, other Corporations ? Happens practically to all who are effected by inertia and mesmerized by short term profits ( BONUS !) or heads in the sand....

BTW BA already says BRAND matters ...