British Airways has officially announced that their new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will feature upgraded first-class suites equipped with sliding doors. These enhanced suites, inspired by the design of the ‘Prime’ first-class seat found in the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 fleet, will debut on selected factory-fresh Boeing 777-300ER jets scheduled for delivery from October this year. The decision to add privacy doors to the first-class seat was driven by the immense popularity of the new Club Suite among customers. The airline’s spokesperson stated that the modification aims to provide passengers with an even higher level of privacy and comfort during their travel experience.
According to an internal email shared with BA staff, British Airways is continuously receptive to feedback from customers and employees, seeking ways to enhance their products. Following the positive response received for the Club Suite, the airline is now incorporating a slightly modified version of the First seat on some of its new Boeing 777 aircraft. This modification aims to provide even greater privacy for premium customers, with the inclusion of a privacy door and a three-point seat belt. The new variants of the Boeing 777 fleet, the 77L and 77H, are scheduled to be introduced from October, and it is important to note that these aircraft were ordered well in advance of the Covid-19 crisis, making deferring their delivery unfeasible.
British Airways is currently in the process of gradually retrofitting certain Boeing 777-300ERs, which serve as the backbone of their long-haul international fleet, with the new Club Suites in business class. However, it remains uncertain whether the updated First seat will be included in this particular project.
The development of the upgraded First ‘suite’ was initiated well before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The introduction of the private and spacious Club Suites in place of the crowded and dormitory-like Club World has significantly raised the standard for long-haul travel. While British Airways’ first-class berths remain more luxurious than their business class counterparts, they ironically lack the same level of privacy.
The ongoing enhancement of business class, with features like fully flat beds, direct aisle access, ample personal space, and privacy doors, has blurred the distinction between business and first class. This evolution has prompted airlines to reevaluate the concept of first class and question its relevance in their future fleet configurations.
