A Closer Look at British Airways' $9 Billion Overhaul

05.03.2024 - 23:30 / skift.com / Gordon Smith / Airlines

Once known as ‘The World’s Favorite Airline’, British Airways has slipped down the rankings in recent years. Underinvestment and outsourcing have left the UK flag carrier on the back foot.

Keen to make amends and restore its position among the world’s leading airlines, BA is on the offensive.

The company says it is spending £7 billion ($8.9 billion) over the next two years to overhaul its operation and enhance the passenger experience.

The program spans more than 600 different modernization initiatives and is said to “invest in every part of the business.”

But what exactly is in the pipeline and when will travelers actually see the changes? Here are five key areas to watch:

There are major seating developments on two fronts for British Airways. The changes that will benefit the most customers are new seats coming to the short-haul fleet. 

BA is rolling out new-look cabins for its upcoming deliveries of Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets. These typically fly on short and medium-haul flights within the UK, Europe, and North Africa.

The first eight planes with the new cabins will be delivered from May this year. Enhancements will be made to both Euro Traveller (economy) and Club Europe (business class), in what BA describes as “reflecting a modern yet classic British interior.” 

The new Club Europe seats (pictured above) will see the return of the leather tray that sits between the aisle and window seat. This was controversially removed from earlier deliveries of Airbus Neo planes.

All seats on the new-look jets will also be equipped with USB-A & USB-C power charging ports.

On a practical note, the airline is also promising extra-large bins for overhead luggage. This should reduce – but not eliminate – the risk of baggage being checked at the gate on busy flights. 

Big developments are also on the way for BA’s most exclusive cabin. The airline has confirmed that a “brand-new and exclusive” first-class suite is in the works. 

It is due to enter service in late 2025 or early 2026 and will form part of a wider refurbishment of the Airbus A380 fleet.

The changes should help widen the gap between the carrier’s Club Suite business class product and first-class offering. 

For many business and premium leisure travelers, the airport experience is a key part of the overall value proposition. Although British Airways has an international network of dedicated lounges, some of these are starting to show their age.

To better compete on the global stage, BA is modernizing its facilities at Heathrow (Terminals 3 and 5), Seattle, Lagos, and Edinburgh. 

Alongside the overhauls, there are also brand-new spaces on the way. The airline’s lounge at Dubai International Airport will be the first to feature BA’s