British Airways launched its Club Suite business class product in February 2019. This is a significant improvement in the long-haul business class product of British Airways. Club Suites are now available on new Airbus A350-1000s as well as Boeing 787-10s. In the future, all Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s will have these cabins.
British Airways has made exciting progress in retrofitting its planes with Club Suites.
British Airways 777s will have Club Suites by next Year
All British Airways 777s with Heathrow as their base will be retrofitted by Club Suites products by the end 2022. This is great news as the 777 is the heart of British Airways' long-haul fleet. The airline has 59 Boeing 777s, which includes 43 Boeing 777-2200ERs and 16 Boeing 777-3000ERs.
It is interesting to note that the announcement specifically mentions Heathrow-based Boeing 777s. British Airways will keep the existing product for Gatwick-based 747s forever. Or, will it just have a slower timeline?
Club Suites are a significant improvement for business class passengers. British Airways 777s had eight business class seats, with cabins being configured in a 2-2-2 layout.
Business class on Old British Airways 777
The Club Suites product offers a 1-2-1 configuration with each seat having its own door. This product is an evolution from the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond reverse-herringbone seat that you'll find on many airlines.
Business class 777 by New British Airways
British Airways has not yet guaranteed Club Suites on specific routes. However, this is changing. All British Airways flights to New York JFK from London will now feature Club Suites. The New York-London market is one the most lucrative in the world so it's not surprising that the airline has made this promise.
British Airways Club Suites are not available on 777s.
Although it is a reasonable price for better business class service, there is one drawback to the 777s receiving the new Club Suites. British Airways Boeing 777-3000ERs will also receive the new Club Suites. This means that the cabin size for the first class is significantly reduced.
British Airways will reduce its 14-seat first class capacity to only eight on these aircraft.
Old British Airways 777 First Class
The seats are being slightly improved. British Airways' new first class suites are larger and more detailed than the old ones.
First class, New British Airways 777
Some might argue that British Airways first-class is not necessary if the business class is significantly improved. This is especially true when you consider British Airways first flight isn't industry-leading.
The first class soft product is better than the business class. This makes it worth the investment, especially if you're redeeming Avios and miles.
It is clear that the reduction of 14 seats from first class to eight seats has had a negative effect on award availability. Prior to this, it was easy to get awards.
Bottom line
British Airways announced that all Boeing 777s will be equipped with the Club Suites business class by 2022. The new Club Suites business class is already available on the 787s and A350s. This means that the majority of long-haul fleets should have the product by next year.
Additionally, all flights to JFK will now feature Club Suites. Given the importance of New York City for British Airways, it is not surprising that this commitment has been made.
British Airways deserves to be commended for the rollout these new seats. They truly are a significant improvement in passenger experience.
What do you think of British Airways' 777 Club Suites rollout.
