Aerospace

First-class cabin interiors for British Airways’ new 787-9 Dreamliner

British Airways Expands North American Flights For Summer 2025

The new-look BA First has been created specifically for the Boeing 787-9 and will see just eight seats nestled into the Dreamliner’s nose

The aircraft accommodates 127 customers in World Traveller (economy), 39 in World Traveller Plus (premium economy), 42 in Club World (business class) and eight in the new First class cabin.

Redesigned to put comfort at the heart of the experience, each First suite is gently lit with ambient lighting. Customers will have extra storage space, including room for shoes, handbags and personal items, a personal suiter for jackets and coats accessible from the seat, and a discreet charging point area next to their armrest.

The seat and in-flight entertainment console has also been updated with a new smartphone-like handset, from which customers can simultaneously watch one item, such as the moving map, while also watching a film, on the new fixed 23 inch widescreen.This also means travellers will be able to enjoy gate-to-gate entertainment, without having to stow their television for take-off and landing.

British Airways began flying between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and London Heathrow in March 2014, with the 787-8 Dreamliner. This October, First class will be introduced to the Austin community, when service switches temporarily to the Boeing 777.The 787-9, the first of which is due to be delivered to British Airways in September, is 20 feet longer that its 787-8 predecessor, allowing the airline to add First class to the 787 fleet for the first time.

The Boeing 787-8 is a mid-size, dual aisle, twin engine jet and Boeing’s most fuel efficient aircraft to date – 20% more fuel efficient than the similar sized commercial jets it is designed to replace. Composite materials make up 50% of the primary structure, including the fuselage and wings.

The windows are over 30% larger than those on most similarly sized aircraft and the brightness can be adjusted at the touch of a button. Serrated edges on the engine nacelles reduce the noise levels by up to 60% both in- and outside the cabin. The aircraft also features raked wingtips to further improve fuel efficiency.

The Boeing 787-9 – the latest addition to the fleet – features an evolution of our First cabin, with just 8 seats compared to the usual 14, increased range and is 20 feet longer and four inches taller than the 787-8.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.