TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
As part of the £6.5 billion investment, British Airways will include significant changes to its onboard products and services in its First Class cabin. The new look and feel, set to take to the skies from March 31, will include new bedding, amenities and menus akin to that of a five-star hotel.
TT Bureau
2019 is British Airways’ centenary year. The airline is investing £6.5 billion to improve its customer experience over the next five years, including new aircraft, cabins, catering, lounges, Wi-Fi and new routes. Carolina Martinoli, Director— Brand and Customer Experience, British Airways said, “As part of our £6.5bn investment in customers, we’re changing parts of the travel experience in our First Class cabin. Our teams of designers, chefs and customer service experts have carefully thought through the details we know matter most to our customers. In our centenary year, we’ve sought out some of the best British designers and manufacturers to work with to ensure travelling in First Class with British Airways is an unforgettable experience.”
The airline’s First Class customers will be offered super-soft, sophisticated new male and female loungewear designed exclusively by British fashion brand Temperley London, informed Martinoli. “The loungewear will be coupled with bespoke British Airways amenity bags, featuring Temperley’s “Star” design. The bags will be filled with products from British skincare brand Elemis, including products from the sought-after Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen range. The amenity kit contains the essentials to cleanse, revive and hydrate,” she shared.
Of all things gourmet
The airline’s chefs have also designed new à la carte menus that focus on fresh seasonal ingredients of British provenance. The new menus will be served on elegant bone china crockery, designed exclusively for the airline by British tableware designer William Edwards. The new tableware will be accompanied by contemporary cutlery from Studio William.
Martinoli further mentioned, “The airline will also be introducing a new signature afternoon tea service, showcasing the British tradition of high tea. The menu will include a selection of sandwiches, pastries and scones, as well as a wide range of tea infusions. As part of the changes, British Airways is also investing in new Dartington glassware. Travellers will now be able to enjoy the airline’s fine wines and champagnes from sophisticated stemware, while soft drinks and spirits will be served from elegant cut-glass tumblers.”
Luxury on air
The airline’s First Class customers will benefit from an improved turndown service for the perfect night’s sleep with new luxurious 400 thread count bedding, accompanied by a foam fibre mattress topper. Customers will also receive a new day blanket and bolster cushion while those wishing to relax can enjoy the 1,000 hours of programmes available on the in-flight entertainment channels through headphones crafted by Meridian, the British pioneers of high-resolution audio. British Airways’ First Class customers continue to have access to the airline’s exclusive First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5.
