But surely you'd recognise that this is very personal? I'm sure BA must have formed a view about how many people would be using internet access, both having done an airborne trial on a real route and also knowing what people actually do on board. And one of the things that BA is most keen to offer its premium pax is sleep; a highly successful strategy, it seems. Obviously, there will always be some pax like yourself, but the commercial questions will be how many, and do the numbers make it worthwhile?

For those that are concerned that Wi-Fi will cause a rash of folks using Skype and simialr services to make those "I'm on a plane" calls: It will be a cinch for the carrier to prevent these. Since all data will have to go through a single point, it is very easy to set the router to prevent any connections of that type. Naturally the reason would be to preseve the quiet of the cabin, rather than preserve the mark-up cost of using their sat phone system. :8

Slightly OT, but it looks like onboard internet is proving so popular that Boeing may have to shut down Connexion. Original report was in the WSJ, but online reports available here (Flight), here (MSN Money) and here (PC World).

Does anyone know if this new entertainment system will be installed in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus?

jfoj....The first 767 has rolled out with the new AVOD system and is currently plying the Detroit route. AVOD is available throughout the aircraft however they have not installed games for WT yet as they dont have similiar handsets to play the games. They are apparently in discussions with the manufacturer to make games available for WT but this will take some time.

BA Club Class new product
 

Thanks to a FA of my recent but briefly intimate acquaintance (they really should enlarge the crew rest area, it was all elbows and knees) I can reveal that the new colour scheme is a graduated series of cream/stone/taupe shades, that the side/armrest of the chair lowers during the recline/bed mode, and that the seat module is FRACTIONALLY wider and longer than the existing one.

FA also thought that the footrest was being strengthened to work like a visitor seat, but that the other improvements were gimmicky, to do with the food offer and not the comfort or IFE.

Hope this helps. I'd guess rollout starts with the season changeover in October when BA can rest some aircraft from the peak routes.

Today was actually meant to be the official role out for the press. Still waiting to hear!!!!

If they make the club beds just a touch longer (as is rumoured), they get my vote.

Presently, they are just too short for my liking :).

Everything else will be fine, if they keep the rather nice 15yr old Glenlivet (one of the very good things about BA).

Spoke to a member of staff yesterday, who did not have any real details of the new seats.
However they did say that the roll-out was possibly not going to start until Spring or Summer next year (ish) :sad:.
From the above acrobatic person :ok: , I like the sounds of an arm rest that lowers during recline mode, hopefully providing a slightly wider sleeping area.
Seats being "fractionally" longer is also something to hope for.
Keep the tidbits/spyshots coming :cool:.

Hi,

I have heard an announcement is due on thr 13th November (from Flyertalk).

Regards

TBS

They are gradually rolling out bits and pieces of the new Club World 'offering':
- New pillows: bigger, without the frilly bit round the edge: better
- New (noise cancelling) headphones: big improvement
- New blanket: looks like an eiderdown, stone colour, thicker than the old one. Don't use them, can't comment
- New washbag: Mouthwash has gone, otherwise much the same
- New menus: less choice and noticeably cheaper cuts of meat, less fish. Suspect the new menus will be very unpopular
- Have been told they are going to have microwaves and free choice meals after the main service. Suspect this means they are cutting out the second meal / snack on flights to places like Houston
- Not bothered about the entertainment system - most regulars play DVDs on a laptop or portable player
- Have been told the seats are still head to toe and marginally larger (as above)
Some of the Club World cabins are looking very tired and grubby, I hope the replacements (doesn't sound like an upgrade) come quickly.
All in all, plenty of evidence of cost cutting, the only real improvement is the headphones which others (Cathay) have had for years.

I am working in training at the moment and had the pleasure to have an in-depth read about the new club world product, I also hear crew talking about it and it's good to see their reactions.
While my lips are sealed as I do not know what has already been published and what hasn't, I have one thing to say about the new menus....

I truly do not think the new food is going to be worse than in the past, on the contrary I have seen really yummy dishes, including the so called "healthy" options.

Not many people like change, it seems, but I am confident in BA's ability to do good things for our long-haul product. I wish I could say the same about the short-haul though! :rolleyes:

If passengers are paying full fares yes! Don't forget the vast majority of J class passengers are flying on heavily discounted corporate deal tickets, "free" mileage award tickets or upgra*es because World Chaveller Plus has been oversold.

The "pay for itself in three sectors" is a bit of urban myth - probably more like ten sectors in today's climate.

Connexion is a Boeing supplied service which is being completely withdrawn in a month or so from all airlines due to lack of uptake.

There may be a replacement or someone may buy the rights from Boeing, but nothing definite yet.

Well it is finally here :)
BA are holding the public launch of the new Club World product this month (November) in London.
Important customers are being invited to the event which will be run over several days.
Important customers include Gold Card holders (I don't know if Silver are included in this).
Not sure when the actual roll-out within the fleet will begin.
Good news, can't wait to see it in action :)

From the British Airways Preview Invitation.

"You may be aware that British Airways is launching a redesigned Club World experience.

Since revolutionising the world of aviation with the first ever flat bed in business class back in 2000, we've continued to innovate and invest in order to meet the ever-changing demands of our customers. Based on your feedback, every element of Club World has now been enhanced to set new standards for business travel."

"I would be delighted if you could join us at an exclusive unveiling of the new look Club World at the East Wintergardens, Canary Wharf, London."
"This two hour event is you chance to experience the contempory new feel before it rolls out across the network, but attendance is limited to our most important customers only" etc etc

Dates are 13th, 14th and 15th November 2006. There is one event on the 15th, two on the 14th, and four on the 15th.

Well i'm booked in to this NEW and SUPRISING view of club world. Next Tuesday not sure what to expect from a marketing event, maybe some wine !

err....run that by me again? :confused:

Go see it;

http://www.newclubworld.com/european...est/tour2.html

Finally today is the day!!!
I have been asked by too many people how the seats were etc and just couldn't keep it inside anymore ;) I believe it will make a huge impact on our customers, the crew are happy about it and that is always a welcome reaction!!
Thank god no more "fans" in between seats, those things used to drive me nuts ;)

FBW