British Airways

British Airways was conceived in 1974, when the British Overseas Airways Corporation
(BOAC) and British European Airways Corporation (BEA) managements were combined
under the newly formed British Airways Board. British Airways received its private status
much later in 1987, by merging two regional airlines Cambrian Airways and Northeast
Airlines, along with the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European
Airways. In 1992, British Airways ran into a hostile relation with Virgin Atlantic, due to
which it had to pay exorbitant sums to the latter as fine. Following this, the management
changed several times and finally in September 1998, British Airways along with American
Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Qantas and the now defunct Canadian Airlines, agreed to
form the oneworld airline alliance in order to better compete with the growing Star Alliance
members, only to emerge as one of the largest airline alliances in the world! In 2008, British
Airways launched its new subsidiary OpenSkies which takes advantage of the liberalisation
of transatlantic traffic rights between Europe and the United States. OpenSkies flies non-stop
from Paris to New York and Washington D.C. In July 2010, British Airways was granted
permission by the European Commission to merge with Spanish carrier, Iberia, and to co-
ordinate with American Airlines on fares and scheduling for transatlantic routes. This deal is
expected to be operational by the end of 2010.

British Airways was created in 1974 after a British Airways Board was established by the
British government to manage the two nationalised airline corporations, British Overseas
Airways Corporation and British European Airways, and two regional airlines, Cambrian
Airways and Northeast Airlines. On 31 March 1974, all four companies were merged to form
British Airways. However, it marked 2019 as its centenary based on predecessor
companies. After almost 13 years as a state company, BA was privatised in February 1987 as
part of a wider privatisation plan by the Conservative government. The carrier expanded with
the acquisition of British Caledonian in 1987, Dan-Air in 1992, and British Midland
International in 2012.
Network

British Airways connects more than 200 destinations in 75 countries in Europe, Africa, North
America, South America, Middle East, the Caribbean, Australia, East, South and Central
Asia, and the islands in the Indian Ocean.

Cabin and services

Short haul

Economy class

Euro Traveller is British Airways' economy class cabin on all short-haul flights within
Europe, including domestic flights within the UK. Heathrow and Gatwick based flights are
operated by Airbus A320 series aircraft. Standard seat pitch varies from 29" to 34" depending
on aircraft type and location of the seat.

All flights from Heathrow and Gatwick have a buy on board system with a range of food
designed by Tom Kerridge. Food can be pre-ordered through the British Airways mobile
application.[154] Alternatively, a limited selection can be purchased on-board using credit and
debit card or by using Frequent Flyer Avios points. [155] British Airways is rolling out Wi-Fi
across its fleet of aircraft with 90% expected to be Wi-Fi enabled by 2020.

Scheduled services operated by BA Cityflyer currently offer complimentary onboard

catering. The service will switch to buy on board in the future.

Business class

Club Europe is the short-haul business class available on all short-haul flights. This class
allows for access to business lounges at most airports and complimentary onboard
catering. The middle seat of the standard Airbus configured cabin is left free. Instead, a
cocktail table folds up from under the middle seat on refurbished aircraft. [16][159] Pillows and
blankets are available on longer flights.

In-flight
Mid-haul and long haul

First class

First is offered on all British Airways Airbus There are between eight and fourteen private
suites depending on the aircraft type. Each First suit comes with a 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) bed, a
15-inch (38 cm) wide entertainment screen, and in-seat power. Dedicated British Airways
'Galleries First' lounges are available at some airports. The exclusive 'Concorde Room'
lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York JFK airports offer pre-flight dining with
waiter service and more intimate space. Business lounges are used where these are not
available.

Club World

Club World is the mid-haul and long-haul business class cabin. It is offered on all Boeing
777, Boeing 787, Airbus A380, and selected Airbus A321 aircraft. [162][163] The cabin features
fully convertible flat bed seats. In 2006, British Airways launched Next Generation New
Club World, featuring larger seats. The Club World cabins are all configured in a similar
design on widebody aircraft with aisle seats facing forwards, while middle seats and window
seats face backwards (British Airways is one of only five carriers with backwards-facing
business-class seats; American Airlines, Etihad Airways, United Airlines and Qatar
Airways are the others).

In March 2019, BA unveiled its new business-class seats on the new A350 aircraft, which
feature a suite with a door.[164] This will be re-fitted on to most of BAs wide-body fleet over
the coming years.

World Traveller Plus

World Traveller Plus is the premium economy class cabin provided on all BA long haul
aircraft.[152] This cabin offers wider seats, extended leg-room, additional seat comforts such as
larger IFE screen (on most aircraft) a foot rest and power sockets. [165] A complimentary
'World Traveller' bar is offered along with an upgraded main meal.

World Traveller

World Traveller is the mid-haul and long-haul economy class cabin. It offers seat-back
entertainment, complimentary food and drink, pillows, and blankets.[152][166][167] AVOD
personal TV screens The outlets accept both UK and US plugs.
Baggage Allowance

The checked baggage allowance for passengers flying on British Airways differs with the
type of travel classes. Passengers travelling in the economy class cabins can carry up to one
bag weighing 23 kg. Children up to 11 years of age travelling in the economy class cabins
can carry also carry 23 kg of one baggage piece and one stroller and one car seat. Passengers
travelling in the premium economy class cabins can carry up to two bags each weighing 23
kg. Children from 2 to 12 years of age travelling on the premium economy class seats can
carry two pieces of checked baggage each weighing 23 kg along with one stroller and one car
seat. Infants less than 2 years of age in premium economy class cabins are allowed to carry
one baggage piece weighing kg along with one stroller and one car seat.Passengers travelling
in the business class cabins can carry up to two bags each weighing 32 kg. Child passengers
from 2-11 years of age can carry two baggage pieces weighing 32 kg each, along with one
stroller and one car seat. For children below 2 years of age, one baggage piece weighing 23
kg and one stroller and one car seat are allowed. For passengers travelling in first class seats,
3 baggage pieces each weighing 32 kg are allowed as checked baggage. For children between
2 to 11 years of age, three bags, each with the maximum weight of 32 kg and one stroller and
one car seat are allowed in the first class seats. For children below 2 years of age travelling in
the first class cabins, one bag weighing 23 kg and one stroller and one car seat are allowed.
The checked baggage of each piece should not exceed the dimensions of 90x75x43 cm.

In-flight Services

British Airways onboard Wi-Fi is called. air and is available at a nominal fee. There is a wide
range of programmes onboard that passengers can enjoy such as the meditation application
called Headspace providing the basic and short meditation exercises for jetlag, for parents,
kids, and several others. Passengers can enjoy watching the latest movies, as well as short
films and TV shows. Passengers can also enjoy listening to the latest music. Child passengers
can also enjoy watching the best and new children movies, TV shows and cartoons and also
enjoy playing Disney’s Classic Games, and In-flight PAC MAN among several others.
Passengers can also enjoy duty free shopping onboard for various items including accessories
from the best international brands, premium alcoholic beverages.
 Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific Airways is Hong Kong's flag carrier, offering passenger and cargo services to
around 200 cities in Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and Australia. It has a workforce of
around 23,000. The company was established in 1946 by Roy Farrell, an American, and
Sydney de Kantzow, an Australian. Early on, it offered flights to Shanghai, Bangkok, Manila
and Singapore. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. engages in airline operations. It operates through
the Airline Business and Non-Airline Business segments. The Airline Business segment
comprises of passenger and cargo operations. The Non-Airline Business segment includes
airline catering, ground handling, and aircraft ramp handling services. The company was
founded by Roy C. Farrell and Sydney H. de Kantzow on September 24, 1946 and is
headquartered in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (CPA), more widely known
as Cathay Pacific  is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located
at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline's operations and subsidiaries have scheduled
passenger and cargo services to more than 190 destinations in more than 60 countries
worldwide including codeshares and joint ventures. Cathay Pacific operates a fleet consisting
of Airbus A320, Airbus A321, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Boeing
777 aircraft. Cathay Pacific Cargo operates two models of the Boeing 747. Defunct wholly
owned subsidiary airline Cathay Dragon, which ceased operations in 2020, previously flew to
44 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region from its Hong Kong base. In 2010, Cathay Pacific
and Cathay Pacific Cargo, together with Dragonair then Cathay Dragon, carried nearly 27
million passengers and over 1.8 million tons of cargo and mail.

cathay Pacific is the world's fifth largest airline measured by sales, and fourteenth largest
measured by market capitalisation. In 2010, Cathay Pacific became the world's largest
international cargo airline, along with main hub Hong Kong International Airport as the
world's busiest airport measured by cargo traffic. [8] The company slogan is Move beyond. It is
one of the founding members of the Oneworld alliance. On 9 June 2020, Cathay
Pacific, Swire Pacific and Air China halted stock trade pending the announcement. On 10
June, Cathay Pacific and the Government of Hong Kong jointly announced a HK$39 Billion
recapitalization plan and rescue package for Cathay Pacific.
Cabin and Services

Cabin

First Class

First Class is offered only on select Boeing 777-300ERs, and features 6 seats in a 1-1-1
configuration. The first class seats can be converted into fully lie-flat beds measuring 36 in
× 81 in (91 cm × 206 cm). The seats include a massage function, a personal closet,
an ottoman for stowage or guest seating, and adjustable 18.5 in (47 cm), HD personal
televisions (PTV). First class passengers are welcome to use Oneworld or Cathay Pacific first
class lounges at their departure airport.

Business Class

Business Class is offered on all internationally configured aircraft. It is available on all

Airbus A350s and Boeing 777-300ERs, as well as select Airbus A330-300s. Cathay Pacific
introduced a new business class seat in 2011, featuring reverse herringbone seating in a 1-2-1
configuration. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed of length 82 inches (208 cm), with a
width of up to 21 inches (53 cm). Each seat features a small enclosed side cabinet, and an
adjustable 18.5 in (47 cm) personal television. In 2016, upon delivery of brand new Airbus
A350s, Cathay Pacific introduced a refreshed reverse herringbone seat designed by Porsche
Design, with HD personal televisions and additional enclosed storage space on the side

Regional Business Class

Business Class is offered on all regionally configured aircraft. It is available on all Airbus
A320s, Airbus A321s, Airbus A321neos, and Boeing 777-300s, as well as selected Airbus
A330-300s. Seats have 21 in (53 cm) width and recline to 47 in (120 cm) of pitch and feature
electrical recline and leg rest. A 12 in (30 cm) PTV is located in the seat back offers AVOD.
In 2021, the airline has updated the cabin with a new seat on the Airbus A321neo, featuring a
new design with hard-shell recliner seats that incorporate divider screens and a 15.6-inch
PTV.[150]

All Business Class passengers are allowed to use Oneworld or Cathay Pacific business class
lounges prior to departure
Premium Economy 

Premium Economy is offered on all Airbus A350s and Boeing 777-300ERs, as well as
selected Airbus A330-300s. Cathay Pacific introduced a premium economy class in March
2012.[154] The seat pitch is 38 inches – six inches more than Economy Class – and the seat
itself is wider and have a bigger recline. It has a large meal table, cocktail table, footrest, a
10.6-inch personal television, an in-seat power outlet, a multi-port connector for personal
devices, and extra personal storage space. The Premium Economy Class seat offers a higher
level of comfort with more living space in a separate cabin before the Economy Class zone.

In 2016, on delivery of the Airbus A350-900 fleet, Cathay Pacific introduced a new Premium
Economy seat, which features a 12.1 in (31 cm) HD PTV, and improved pitch of 40 inches
(102 cm). The new seats are configured in a 2-4-2 configuration, with a width of 18.5 inch

Economy Class

Cathay Pacific updated its economy class seats in March 2012, replacing the older fixed back
design. They have a six-inch recline (two inches over the current long-haul economy seat).
These seats are 17.5 in (44 cm) in width and have 32 in (81 cm) of pitch.

The phased-out old Economy Class seats, previously offered on aircraft outfitted with the
refurbished long-haul interiors, were designed by B/E Aerospace and introduced in July
2008. These seats include a fixed back design (shell) that allows passengers to recline without
intruding on those seated behind, a 9 in PTV providing AVOD, AC power located behind a
larger tray table, a coat hook and a literature pocket that has been relocated to below the seat
cushion to create more legroom. The fixed shell of these seats has been criticised. The
previous Economy Class seats each feature 6 in (15 cm) PTVs with a choice of 25 channels.
These seats are 17 in (43 cm) in width and have 32 in (81 cm) of pitch. These seats were
replaced with an updated Economy Class seat on aircraft receiving the Cathay Pacific's
updated long-haul interior configuration, where some regional aircraft continue to offer the
old shell seats.

Since 2017, all Boeing 777s are retrofitted with a new seat featuring a change in
configuration from 9 abreast to 10 abreast. This increased the economy class seats on board
the −300 series from 356 to 396 seats & the −300ER from 182/268 seats to 201/296 seats. All
new seats feature new 11.6-inch touch screens, USB ports, & improved seat pitch. The seat
width is 17.2 in
Food and beverages

Food and beverages are complimentary on all flights, with two hot meals generally served on
each flight for long haul flights, along with free alcoholic beverages. Foods served on flights
from Hong Kong are provided by Cathay Pacific Catering Services facilities in Hong Kong.
CLS Catering Services Limited, a joint venture with LSG Sky Chefs, provides inflight
catering from Toronto and Vancouver airports;[163][164] while Vietnam Air Caterers, a joint
venture between CPCS and Vietnam Airlines, provides the same for flights from Ho Chi
Minh City.[165] Meals on Manila–Hong Kong flights are typically served in snack bags as
complimentary snacks and drinks.

In-flight entertainment

StudioCX, Cathay Pacific's in-flight entertainment system, equipped with personal televisions

in every seat, offers movies, Asian and Western TV programs, music and games. The airline
also provides a range of different newspapers and magazines from around the world,
including the airline's in-flight magazine Discovery. Passengers with visual impairment can
request for Hong Kong's South China Morning Post in Braille to be available on board.
StudioCX provides Audio/Video on Demand for every passenger and offers up to 100
movies, 350 TV programs, about 1000 CD albums in 25 different genres, 25 radio channels
and more than 70 interactive games

Cathay Pacific has two loyalty programs

Marco Polo Club

The Marco Polo Club is divided into four tiers, Green Silver, Gold, and Diamond, based on
the member's past travel. A joining fee of US$100 is applicable for a Marco Polo Club
membership. Members earn Club Points on eligible fare classes with Cathay Pacific
and Oneworld member airlines. These are used to calculate the member's eligibility for
membership renewal, upgrade or downgrade during the membership year. Higher-tiered
members are provided with increased travel benefits such as guaranteed Economy Class seat,
additional baggage allowance, priority flight booking and airport lounge access. The Marco
Polo Club membership is terminated after 12 months of inactivity or failure to meet minimum
travel criteria as outlined in the membership guide and will be downgraded to Asia Miles
member.
Green
The Green tier is the entry level to the Marco Polo Club. Benefits include dedicated 24-hour
club service line for flight reservations, designated Marco Polo check-in counters, excess
baggage allowance and lounge access redemption, and priority boarding. One Business Class
lounge voucher will be issued for the member or their travelling companion at reaching 200
Club Points Members are required to earn 20 Club Points or pay US$100 for membership
renewal.
Silver

Silver tier level is achieved or retained when the member earns 300 Club Points during the
membership year. Additional benefits for silver Card members include advanced seat
reservations, priority waitlisting, Business Class check-in counters, 10 kg (22 lb) extra
baggage allowance, priority baggage handling, and Business Class lounge access when flying
Cathay Pacific operated flights. Additionally, members are eligible to use the Frequent
Visitor e-Channels for seamless self-service immigration clearance at Hong Kong
International Airport. At 450 Club Points, members will be issued two Business Class lounge
vouchers for their travelling companions. Also, members are entitled to apply for at most
three Membership Holidays in their lifetime, retaining their status for one year for each
application.

Marco Polo Club Silver tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Ruby tier status, which entitles
members to Oneworld Ruby benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member airline.

Gold

Gold tier level is achieved or retained when the member earns 600 Club Points during the
membership year. Additional benefits for Gold Card members includes a guaranteed
Economy Class seat on Cathay Pacific flights booked 72 hours before departure, 15 kg
(33 lb) or one piece of extra baggage allowance, Business Class lounge access with one
accompanying guest when flying Cathay Pacific and Oneworld-operated flights and arrival
lounge access when flying Cathay Pacific-operated and marketed flights. Two Business Class
lounge vouchers will be issued for their travelling companions or members on their Asia
Miles Redemption List at reaching 800 Club Points. At reaching 1000 Club Points, four
Cabin Upgrade vouchers (for Cathay Pacific-operated short-haul or medium-haul routes) will
be issued to members and their travelling companions.

Marco Polo Club Gold tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Sapphire tier status, which
entitles members to Oneworld Sapphire benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member
airline.

Diamond

The second-highest tier in the Marco Polo Club. Diamond tier level is achieved or retained
when the member earns 1200 Club Points during the membership year. Additional benefits
for Diamond Card members include top priority waitlisting, guaranteed Economy Class or
Business Class seat on Cathay Pacific flights booked 24 hours before departure, First
Class check-in counters, 20 kg (44 lb) or one piece of extra baggage allowance, First Priority
baggage handling, First Class lounge access with two guests when flying Cathay Pacific-
operated flights, one guest when flying Oneworld operated flights and Business Class lounge
access with two guests when flying on any airline. At 1400 Club Points, members will be
issued with two First or Business lounge vouchers for their travelling companions or
members on their Asia Miles Redemption List. At 1600 Club Points, four Cabin Upgrade
vouchers (for any Cathay Pacific-operated routes) will be issued to members, travelling
companions and members on their Asia Miles Redemption List. At 1800 Club Points,
members can nominate one member for Marco Polo Gold tier membership.[

Marco Polo Club Diamond tier status is equivalent to Oneworld Emerald tier status, which
entitles members to Oneworld Emerald benefits when travelling on a Oneworld member
airline.

Diamond Plus

The highest tier in the Marco Polo Club. Diamond Plus tier level offered annually to the top
one percent (measured by revenue, not flight miles) of Diamond members worldwide "in
recognition of their exceptional and consistent travel performance and their contribution to
Cathay Pacific." Diamond Plus and Diamond members are "considered in the same tier in
every aspect". However, Diamond Plus get extra perks consisting of "Nomination of one
companion to the Diamond tier", and "access to Cathay Pacific First Class lounges regardless
of which airline they are flying". Marco Polo Club Diamond Plus tier status is equivalent
to Oneworld Emerald tier status, which entitles members to Oneworld Emerald benefits when
travelling on a Oneworld member airline.