LOYAL BRITISH AIRWAYS FLYERS have finally got something to get excited about, with the introduction of new economy and premium economy products and a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The premium economy product, World Traveller Plus, provides 38 inches of pitch, 18.5 inches of width and a maximum recline of seven inches. Customers receive a free newspaper and, since October 2011, the meal service is the same as in business. However, the new seating will appear only on the new Boeing 777-300ER fleet and 18 of the carrier’s existing 46-strong B777- 200 fleet, which will be retro-fitted throughout 2012. These
B777-200 aircraft are those with BA’s oldest IFE system (known as GMIS), which is being replaced throughout the aircraft. In 2011, BA began trialling pre-loaded iPads on the B777s – while awaiting the new audio-video on-demand (AVOD) system on these aircraft – with a view to offering the tablet to First passengers in the future. British Airways has continued with the roll-out of its new First product, which which is now in the majority of the long-haul fleet that features first class. BA will take delivery of its initial A380s and B787s in 2013. The carrier won Best Airline at the Business T
raveller reader-voted awards in 2011. Visit ba.com ?
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EASYJET
IN TERMS OF PASSENGER NUMBERS, Easyjet is the second- largest low-cost carrier in Europe (behind Ryanair) at almost 49 million a year, testament to the fact that so many travellers deem it a good option for work and leisure, particularly in challenging economic times. With only two aircraft types (mainly A319s) in its fleet – all configured solely with economy seating – it now serves
A319 A320
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560 destinations, ranging from Paris and Geneva to Istanbul and Marrakech, in 29 countries, with more than 200 aircraft. In June 2011, Easyjet introduced a new online Flexi ticket for corporate travellers that allows them unlimited date changes, one piece of hold luggage and Speedy Boarding. The last is advantageous as the airline does not offer pre-flight seat selection. Visit easyjet.com