British Airways, which became the first British carrier to operate passenger flights between the UK and Japan, is marking a significant milestone by launching its latest business class Club Suite cabin on the airline’s London Heathrow-Tokyo Haneda route from 31 October 2023.
75 years ago in March 1948, BA extended its Poole-Hong Kong Plymouth class flying boat service to Iwakuni. Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It all started with a flying boat and now Tokyo is one of our longest-served and most valued destinations. We’re incredibly proud of our heritage – it’s been our pleasure to connect British travellers with Japan since 1948 – and we look forward to serving them for the next 75 years and beyond as we continue our investment into new products, customer experience and technology.”
Celebratory dishes will be served in all four cabins, with passengers being able to enjoy the most popular dishes that were served on the route in 1969 – beef stroganoff and beef cheek okaribayaki – and the airline has also created a celebratory cherry meringue gateau.
The airline’s Club Suite flat-bed seat has 40% more storage and a direct-aisle access and suite door for greater privacy in a 1-2-1 configuration. A vanity unit and mirror, Wi-Fi and 18.5-inch in-flight entertainment screens are also offered. The business class seats will be available on flights BA6 and BA5 which are operated by the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
In the Club World cabin, pillows and warm quilts from The White Company are offered, together with an amenity kit and improved dining experience.
The First cabin to and from Tokyo will provide the airline’s most-premium service from 1 September. This includes bespoke loungewear and amenity kits designed by luxury British fashion brand Temperley London, ELEMIS products such as the ULTRA SMART PRO-COLLAGEN range and bedding made from recycled plastic bottles.
