British Airways reflects on the last decade of air travel

Online check-in. Farewell to Concorde. The world’s first fully flat flying bed. The last ten years have arguably been some of the most eventful and revolutionary periods in the history of air travel. As the new decade commences, British Airways takes a look back at the innovations brought to the skies during the ‘noughties’ as well as some of the company’s fascinating landmarks.

Below are some of the ground-breaking developments of the last ten years

• British Airways launches the world’s fully flat bed in business class (2000)

The start of the new millennium saw a new era in comfort for British Airways passengers with the introduction of the world’s first fully flat business class bed. Towards the end of the same year, the new-look First cabin offered improved cushioning, bedding and in-seat telephones and laptop power. In another commitment to innovation and customer service, British Airways will be unveiling its latest state-of-the-art First class suite offering in February 2010.

• A fourth class (2000)

In 2000, British Airways introduced World Traveller Plus, its premium economy product. The airline was the first global commercial carrier to introduce a fourth class of travel back in 2000.

The service was aimed at both the cost conscious business traveller and the discerning leisure passenger requiring more space and privacy than in World Traveller.

It followed extensive research, which showed that customers wanted greater comfort and quality at an affordable price

• The retirement of Concorde (2003)

Following a brief return to service in the early part of the decade, in October 2003, British Airways finally announced the retirement of its seven-strong Concorde fleet, signalling the closure of the world’s only supersonic passenger service

• Sustainable travel (2005)

With climate change increasingly at the top of the global agenda, British Airways was the first airline anywhere in the world to introduce a voluntary scheme enabling customers to help offset the carbon dioxide emissions from their flights.  In one easy transaction when booking flights on ba.com, customers donate money which goes towards supporting projects in developing countries and typically focus on providing new sources of renewable energy and in promoting energy efficient schemes.  In addition the chosen projects promote energy-efficiency schemes and must also bring social and economic benefits to the communities in which they are based, often also bringing health benefits from improvements to local air quality. Among the projects supported by the scheme are a wind farm in China and a sustainable power plant in Brazil.

• Redefining the airport experience – the  birth of Heathrow Terminal Five (2008)

Heathrow’s Terminal Five was given the go-ahead in 2002 and opened in March 2008.  The terminal redefined the airport experience, seeking to replace the queues, the crowds and the stress with space, light and calm.  T5 boasts 100 stylish shops and restaurants as well as the luxurious Galleries lounges, one of the world’s largest airport lounge complexes featuring champagne bars and spa treatments, for premium travellers. In its first year, over 20 million passengers passed through its doors to enjoy an upgraded airport experience and today 92% of British Airways flights at London Heathrow fly from or through Terminal 5

As British Airways looks forward to another decade of first class customer service, Sue Botes, Commercial Manager for British Airways South Africa commented, “Huge advances in technology in the past ten years have allowed us to offer customers a faster, efficient and more comfortable travelling experience than ever before.”

“Our challenge going forward is to harness these technological advances to refine and improve on this service; potential developments in the world of mobile applications is just one area we are very excited about.”

“Managing our environmental impact is, of course, vitally important and the next few years will see British Airways launching more fuel efficient aircraft, using more sustainable materials and exploring new operating methods ensuring that our commitment to combating climate change is at the forefront of everything we do.”

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