British Airways? next generation Club World will start to appear more frequently on the airline?s South African routes over the next couple of months as installation gathers pace across the airline?s longhaul fleet.

The new, larger business class beds are already on 96 services a week between Heathrow and JFK and engineers are refitting up to three Boeing 747s every month. At the same time the aircraft are also being fitted with an improved in-flight entertainment system in all cabins.

Key features of the new Club World include:

  • An even more comfortable, six-foot long, fully flat bed that is 25 percent wider.
  • A new ?z? bed position that extends to six-foot six-inches and allows the body to assume a position similar to that in zero gravity, ideal for watching movies.
  • An enhanced in-flight entertainment system that allows customers to pause, stop, fast-forward or rewind up to 100 films and TV programmes, and play games on larger 10-inch digital screens.
  • Electronically operated privacy screens using an innovative opaque material, Lumisty.
  • A newly refreshed interior featuring new lighting and a softer colour palette of neutral warm greys, navy and blue to create a relaxing and stylish environment.
  • Thicker pale taupe quilts, new linen and pillow fabrics in the traditional Osborne and Little damask design.
  • A laptop locker where customers can stow electronic items, a small bag and shoes.
  • Standard 110v US style in-seat power socket that only needs a USA adaptor.
  • An onboard Club Kitchen where customers can enjoy hot or cold snacks in between meals.
Lin Glass, British Airways General Manager for South Africa, Seychelles and Mauritius, says South Africa is a key Club World route.

?Club World represents 20 per cent of our long-haul capacity. Our premium cabins are our most profitable segment which is why we have re-configured our aircraft, increasing Club World capacity by eight per cent and moving from 38 to 52 seats on some of our Boeing 747 aircraft. With South Africa contributing nearly half our revenue in Africa and high demand for Club World seats we?re pushing hard to get the new aircraft as soon as possible.?

?From the feedback we?ve had so far, the new Club World gives our customers what they want ? not gimmicks and gadgets ? but an environment that is comfortable, flexible and private, with service that anticipates their every need.?

To date 17 of British Airways longhaul aircraft have been fitted with the new cabin. The installation programme is on track to be completed by the middle of next year.