November 16, 2005 – BRITISH Airways has contracted leading cabin systems manufacturer B/E Aerospace to supply new business-class seats for retrofit throughout its long-haul fleet.

Florida-based B/E will design and build new horizontal lie-flat-bed seats under a programme initially valued at over $150 million. Deliveries are due to begin in the middle of next year.

“In 2000 British Airways introduced the first horizontal lie-flat business-class seat,” comments B/E senior VP Michael Baughan. “Now BA is raising the competitive bar again, introducing an entirely new level of comfort and living space for business-class passengers.”

The BA contract was foreshadowed last month by chief executive Willie Walsh, who said there would be significant investment in the airline’s Club World business-class cabin and inflight entertainment within the next 12 months. “British Airways is renowned for premium travel and my aim is to make sure we deliver a world-class experience for all,” he declared.