Mar 18, 2019, 4:12 am
Last edit by: JAXBA
For the discussion on if/when the new seat will be on (insert flight/route here), please see the companion thread here: British Airways Club Suite 2019 - (When) Will I get the new seat on my flight?
On 18 March 2019, British Airways announced its new Club World seat:
Images: British Airways
BRITISH AIRWAYS WELCOMES ITS NEW A350 AIRCRAFT AND UNVEILS ITS NEW BUSINESS CLASS 'CLUB SUITE'.
360 degree view of cabin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=dYJgVnHyDqA
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=vQ9XUNnvkvg
http://mediacentre.britishairways.co...details/109862
http://mediacentre.britishairways.co...details/109870
On 18 March 2019, British Airways announced its new Club World seat:
Images: British Airways
BRITISH AIRWAYS WELCOMES ITS NEW A350 AIRCRAFT AND UNVEILS ITS NEW BUSINESS CLASS 'CLUB SUITE'.
360 degree view of cabin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=dYJgVnHyDqA
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=vQ9XUNnvkvg
http://mediacentre.britishairways.co...details/109862
http://mediacentre.britishairways.co...details/109870
New CW ‘Club Suite’ Discussion Thread
Mar 18, 2019, 1:24 pm
#211
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,468
A few moans about it not being revolutionary - but I'd like to see how those posters would make it so without turning it into an F product density wise. Bear in mind that QSuite has already happened, and is a fair step down in density which few thought BA would be able to follow.
Original CW was revolutionary because if was a paradigm shift - I certainly can't see how things can be further revolutionised, though admittedly I'm not paid for that stuff. Then again, neither are the above armchair critics.
Original CW was revolutionary because if was a paradigm shift - I certainly can't see how things can be further revolutionised, though admittedly I'm not paid for that stuff. Then again, neither are the above armchair critics.
Mar 18, 2019, 1:28 pm
#212
In memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: BA GGL/CCR/GfL
Posts: 405
Looks a lot better than I was expecting, well done BA!
The fixed screen and foot chubby is a bit of a let down but it all comes down to how much space there is in the end and they had to make compromises somewhere. Can't wait to try it.
The addition of a shoulder belt is quite annoying though, I really hope it's better than the QF F where the position of the anchor point makes it very uncomfortable.
All in it looks really good!
The fixed screen and foot chubby is a bit of a let down but it all comes down to how much space there is in the end and they had to make compromises somewhere. Can't wait to try it.
The addition of a shoulder belt is quite annoying though, I really hope it's better than the QF F where the position of the anchor point makes it very uncomfortable.
All in it looks really good!
Mar 18, 2019, 1:40 pm
#213
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 1,586
https://media1.ausbt.com.au/1500,150...tes-2000-9.jpg
Mar 18, 2019, 1:53 pm
#214
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,087
Well to be honest we are taught to get down to eye level when talking to a customer, have a look next time you fly and you will be surprised how often we do this without you noticing.
Mar 18, 2019, 1:55 pm
#215
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC, AA, Emirates, Hilton, Hyatt, Taj Hotels
Posts: 2,343
. I suspect routes to India will lag behind as well as there's naff all competition unless you go via the Gulf (esp if Jet goes belly-up). We came back on a real old crate from BOM recently (one with the unusable IFE). As for LGW, I wouldn't hold my breath.Very happy to see the new seat; amazed they went with a 'suite' as such, but if they hadn't I think this would have been something of a let down. I sincerely hope that they up their game on cabin cleaning as dark blue really shows the dirt and those leather 'accents' need lots of TLC.
It'll be interesting to see which routes end up with the 'lame duck' 744s - I'll miss the lovely upper deck 64K. I guess there's going to be quite a lot of airframe roulette going on over the next few years as we juggle the will-we-won't we prospects. Well, I'm looking forward to flying this cabin. I think it will bring quite a few people back and trust me, there are an awful lot of BA knockers out there at the moment. Wish they'd done this a few years ago.
Mar 18, 2019, 1:56 pm
#216
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: ex BD(LG),HH(D),SPG(P)/(LG), BA(G)
Posts: 215
I have never ever seen my OH so excited about a plane. My face initially dropped when I saw that BA had changed our seats on our Xmas YYZ flight, until he said with a huge grin we were on the new A351! With a beaming mouth that wide he'd not get through the door into his seat!! Really looking forward to it; looks a great seat, though as ever the proof will be in the flying. Definitely can't wait. Hopefully after 3 attempts I'll also get my first BabyBus across the Atlantic this year. Happy 100th(!) BA, let the good flights roll....
Mar 18, 2019, 2:02 pm
#217
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
Posts: 6,812
I read somewhere amongst the many articles this morning, that Mr Cruz has said the roll-out will be between 2.5 - 3 years. I imagine if they want to limit the impact on NPS score and make up for lost years of not improving the hard product, they will try to get on with this change and do it as quickly as the seat can be manufactured. If F is also due to be updated then both will co-inside and BA will want to ensure that F customers are given an equal if not better product, otherwise expect lots of complaints from F pax suggesting that... "err these people sitting in Club Suites behind me have a better product, I want my money back or how many avios are you going to give me! Its an outrage!"
So no doubt its a balancing act over the next 3 years to get right. It will certainly be entering to see how it develops. Qatar apparently have 41 aircraft with QSuites fitted, 2 years into the rollout.
So no doubt its a balancing act over the next 3 years to get right. It will certainly be entering to see how it develops. Qatar apparently have 41 aircraft with QSuites fitted, 2 years into the rollout.
There will be up to 55 other pax who will still quite easily see your head as they walk past, if not what you’re eating/ watching on TV
Compre that with 7 other pax and the associated much better service and even with no seat improvement F will still have many benefits
Mar 18, 2019, 2:14 pm
#218
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Gold, Marriot Bonvoy Gold, MeliaRewards Gold, Radisson Gold
Posts: 816
Although undeniably more stylish and modern looking I have to say that sadly I'm actually reminded of the horrible emirates J seats (A380) which I found extremely claustrophobic. I'm not a fan of foot coffins and I have to say; I don't think I'm going to enjoy these suites with the door closed. I'm prepared to stay open-minded and eagerly await the first reviews but honestly, I'm not all that excited. On Emirates I remember I loved the window seats and HATED the centre seats and I'm curious to find out whether I'll end up feeling the same way with new BA J.
Still, I have to admit that I'm excited with the idea of changes and updates to BA's product. Its fair to say that it is long overdue.
Still, I have to admit that I'm excited with the idea of changes and updates to BA's product. Its fair to say that it is long overdue.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:15 pm
#219
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,838
A few moans about it not being revolutionary - but I'd like to see how those posters would make it so without turning it into an F product density wise. Bear in mind that QSuite has already happened, and is a fair step down in density which few thought BA would be able to follow.
Original CW was revolutionary because if was a paradigm shift - I certainly can't see how things can be further revolutionised, though admittedly I'm not paid for that stuff. Then again, neither are the above armchair critics.
Original CW was revolutionary because if was a paradigm shift - I certainly can't see how things can be further revolutionised, though admittedly I'm not paid for that stuff. Then again, neither are the above armchair critics.
This seat is an evolution, and a very welcome one at that. But just because we can’t see the next sea change in business class air travel doesn’t mean it won’t happen. We don’t want to fall into the Charles Duell trap (“everything that can be invented has been invented” - 1899).
What is clear is that BA is now a follower rather than a leader. And that’s a decision that, to date, has worked in terms of the P&L.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:29 pm
#221
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 339
So I'm naturally inclined to choose BA unless they give me a reason not to. And the Club World seat is a good reason not to fly BA.
However the new Club Suite has caught right up, there or there abouts with my favourite business class seats on all longhaul routes I frequent, so I'm now happy to fly them.
I don't need BA to be revolutionary. It's nice if they are, but if I have to pay more as a result, I'll take equal-market-leading and cheaper fares every day.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:30 pm
#222
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,257
Mar 18, 2019, 2:30 pm
#223
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,144
Whilst I accept that some draw a comparison between the new BA seat and other extant iterations, I would be interested to hear what AMAZING innovation people were expecting BA to generate.
The world of aircraft seat design is to a large extent constrained by economics, available space, safety considerations and of course passenger comfort/convenience. I offer a shiny sixpence to someone who can actually come up with anything radically new that meets all those criteria affordably and practically. All any airlines can do is nibble at the edges of what is achievable, given those constraints.
The world of aircraft seat design is to a large extent constrained by economics, available space, safety considerations and of course passenger comfort/convenience. I offer a shiny sixpence to someone who can actually come up with anything radically new that meets all those criteria affordably and practically. All any airlines can do is nibble at the edges of what is achievable, given those constraints.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:49 pm
#224
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,246
Whilst I accept that some draw a comparison between the new BA seat and other extant iterations, I would be interested to hear what AMAZING innovation people were expecting BA to generate.
The world of aircraft seat design is to a large extent constrained by economics, available space, safety considerations and of course passenger comfort/convenience. I offer a shiny sixpence to someone who can actually come up with anything radically new that meets all those criteria affordably and practically. All any airlines can do is nibble at the edges of what is achievable, given those constraints.
The world of aircraft seat design is to a large extent constrained by economics, available space, safety considerations and of course passenger comfort/convenience. I offer a shiny sixpence to someone who can actually come up with anything radically new that meets all those criteria affordably and practically. All any airlines can do is nibble at the edges of what is achievable, given those constraints.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:54 pm
#225
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Blue, EI Silver, Honours Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,207
I suspect that’s the biggest limiting factor. The rate at which BA could refit the fleet may have been an influence on the seat chosen, rather than the bespoke all-forward facing evolution of NGCW. Maybe by suing the same frame as the SuperDiamond BA can get the seats made more quickly. Given the size of the BA fleet, a few extra seats a month might make a difference.
If they are making the seats at 3 a day thats roughly equating to 1.5 ship-sets a month. It’ll take 3 years just to do the 777s and supply the A350 / 797-10s as the come online. Hopefully the 1.5 ship-sets are those earmarked for refits. The LGW 777s took about a month each, so 1.5 reconfigurations a month would imply two aircraft being refurbished at one time.
Clearly I t’s going to be a long time before the 787 gets the seats and maybe explains why the A380 still hasn’t been confirmed, each one would need 2 months worth of production.
If they are making the seats at 3 a day thats roughly equating to 1.5 ship-sets a month. It’ll take 3 years just to do the 777s and supply the A350 / 797-10s as the come online. Hopefully the 1.5 ship-sets are those earmarked for refits. The LGW 777s took about a month each, so 1.5 reconfigurations a month would imply two aircraft being refurbished at one time.
Clearly I t’s going to be a long time before the 787 gets the seats and maybe explains why the A380 still hasn’t been confirmed, each one would need 2 months worth of production.