British Airways will introduce its highly anticipated new Club World to China on March 30, 2008, increasing its business class capacity by nearly 50%.

In response to growing market demand for British Airways, the route will be serviced by a Boeing 747, which replaces the Boeing 777 serving the summer schedule between March 30 and October 25, 2008. This will result in an increase in capacity of 50% in Club World and 25% of World Traveller (economy class) cabins.

Ms Sara Thorley, British Airways China Manager, said, "Since we previewed our new Club World offering in China last November, we have been receiving immense interest from customers here. I am so pleased that it is now fully available to the China market."

The new Club World represents a 100 million pounds (approximately 1.57 billion yuan) investment by British Airways. Its "designed around you" concept anticipates passengers' every need pre-flight, onboard and after landing.

As well as increasing the width of its six-feet long fully-flat beds by 25 per cent, British Airways has introduced a new unique zero gravity "z" bed position that supports the knees and back in an ergonomic seated recline, extending the seat to six-foot-six inches. Each element is designed to ensure customers achieve a feeling of complete relaxation, rest and well-being whether sleeping, snoozing or watching movies.

Electronically-operated privacy screens using Lumisty technology assure privacy to sleep, work or enjoy the upgraded Club World entertainment system. Passengers can choose from more than 100 movie and TV channels, 70 CDs and 20 games through the cutting edge audio-video-on-demand system, which offers passengers ultimate control over what to watch and when. No more worrying about the trying to locate the remote control, all this is accessible through an interactive touch-screen panel.

Those who fancy a midnight snack in-between meals can indulge themselves whenever they please in the new on-board Club Kitchen, which offers a wide range of food and beverage choices that are available whenever temptation strikes.

Photograph 1: British Airways Boeing 747 aircraft are to be used for the airline's China service.

Photograph 2: In Nov. 2007, British Airways showcased its Club World seats in Shanghai.

(Information contributed by British Airways)