Emirates - 3 Class Config at BHX
Whilst it would be good to have the choice of a 3 class service on BHX-DXB, in these times when money is tight you have to ask who, apart from celebs and frivalous company directors can really justify the expense of first class?
Midlands SMEs will be struggling at the moment, especially in manufacturing, and there'll surely be a ban on using anything more expensive than business class. Large business with Midland based operations will often have their UK execs. based in and around London, where there is a totally different economy, and different attitude to spending (wasting) shareholders money.
"F" class has died out completely on European routes, in fact business class is virtually dead on it's feet too. I can see within a few years that most long haul ops will find themselves down to 2-class, Business and Cattle!
Those who insist on the comfort, or more likely qudos of First will wind up migrating to the likes of Netjets.