British Airways’ new 787 business class is (finally) here

British Airways’ new Boeing 787 business class will take wing this week, with one of BA’s original 787-8s now sporting the latest Club Suites business class with its direct aisle access, sliding doors, large video screens and ample personal space – all a far cry from the crammed Club World cabin which is on the way out (and not before time).

Speaking at an international media event in New York overnight, British Airways' chief commercial officer Calum Laming revealed the first of 12 Boeing 787s to get the Club Suites upgrade will make its debut on June 14.

As anybody who’s travelled in the Club Suites can attest it’s a dramatic uplift in every respect, from comfort and seat features to personal space and privacy.

British Airways' Club Suites are finally coming to the Boeing 787.

Its 11 siblings will of course follow in the coming months, before the focus turns to the Boeing 787-9 and, from later next year, the Airbus A380.

Executive Traveller understands the refurbished BA 787-8 business class will sport 31 Club Suites – a slight drop from the previous 35 – with 37 premium economy World Traveller Plus seats, up from 25.

British Airways' Club Suites are finally coming to the Boeing 787.

However, as before, the 787-8s won’t be graced with a first class cabin.

In comparison, the upgraded 787-9s will see 38 Club Suites, and 38 premium economy World Traveller Plus seats, along with eight of the new-design first class suites, which like business class includes a sliding privacy door.

Even bigger and better things are planned for the Airbus A380, which will not only get the Club Suites but what the UK flag-carrier has described as “a brand-new and exclusive First suite” due at the end of 2025 or early 2026.

BA's A380s are back, and they'll soon be better than ever...

There’s speculation the primo cabin could be relocated to the upper deck in the process, even if it means cutting down on the current lower-deck count of 14 First suites in the name of more space and luxury for high flyers.

This push would be in keeping with recent first class forays by Singapore Airlines, as well as Lufthansa and Qantas.

Relocating first class to the nose of the upper deck could then see the entire floor become a ‘premium’ cabin, with the lower or main deck dedicated to premium economy and economy.