British Airways New Planes Won't Have First Class Seating
The Guardianreports that British Airways is doing away with first class cabins in its new aircraft. The Guardian says the global recession has "global downturn has devastated demand for expensive seats." British Airways will keep the first class seats in old planes because ripping out the seating would be too expensive.
"The long-haul aircraft that we take delivery of this year will not have any first class cabins in them," said Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive. He insisted there was no direct link to the recession, but he added: "Longer term we will review the configuration of [all] new aircraft." BA is also launching a service this year from Heathrow to Las Vegas, a prime destination for high-rollers, with no first class option.
First class is the last remnant of the more romantic days of air travel when BA's predecessor, British Overseas Airways Corporation, offered first class tickets alongside the more down-at-heel tourist or economy cabins. Its upmarket reputation has become even more rarefied over the years following the introduction of slightly less luxurious business class seats in the late 1970s, and cut-throat competition on the transatlantic market.
Walsh admitted that the cost of ripping out seats in the existing fleet is too great to get rid of first class in existing planes, leading industry watchers to speculate that upgrades for economy class travellers might become a more common occurrence. "In the short term we would have to spend money to do it and that's not necessary," said Walsh.
The Guardian article says BA relies on premium bookings for 50% of its revenues so not having first class cabins in its new aircraft seems like an odd strategy.
The Guardian 
