NEW BUSINESS CLASS INVESTMENT

British Airways is set to invest £100 million in a major overhaul of its longhaul business class, which the airline's CEO Willie Walsh claims will be the "best in the air".

The enhanced changes will be introduced from mid 2006.

The multi-million pound investment will build on the success of the airline's existing Club World flat bed - the industry's first completely flat bed in business class - and will set new standards for the business traveller.

The airline will revamp all aspects of the journey - both on the ground and in the air - and will also make a major upgrade to its in-flight entertainment system in all four cabins, also to be introduced from summer 2006. 

Martin George, British Airways' commercial director, said: "British Airways revolutionised the aviation world when we pioneered the very first flat bed in business class in 2000.  We must continue to lead the industry in this fiercely competitive market. 

"The introduction of a new Club World product heralds a change for British Airways which will ensure that the airline is set apart from our major competitors to provide air travellers with the very best in business class."

Willie Walsh added: "This is the first major product investment British Airways has made in five years, in part, because of the success of our strategy to reduce costs during recent years.

"Our new business class cabin will be, without doubt, the best in the air."

Website: www.britishairways.com