Yesterday British Airways revealed their first Airbus A350-1000 to the world. The aircraft contains a brand new cabin, which as well as their brand new Club Suites includes new World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabins too. The new cabin is groundbreaking for the airline, and as a result, has been hotly anticipated. Let’s take a look inside!

British Airways Airbus A350
BA's first Airbus A350 was unveiled yesterday. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Club World Suites

At the front of the cabin are 56 Club World Suites. Laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, there are four suites in each row. Toward the front of the cabin, there are 11 rows of suites. There is then a small area with toilets and a small self-service bar with non-alcoholic drinks. This space also offers the ability to move between the aisles.

British Airways Airbus A350 Club Suite
The Airbus A350 features a large amount of space for business class passengers. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Behind the small bar area is a more secluded Club Suites cabin of just three rows. The Club World Suites are incredibly spacious. In fact, they have more storage compartments than you can shake a stick at. While there are still large overhead bins, the suite has plenty of storage for smaller items. What is even better is that, with the exception of one or two of the smaller spaces, all are certified for stowage during taxi, take-off and landing.

Adjustable armrest
The seat has an adjustable armrest. Photo: British Airways

Those who like their technology will love the new Club Suite. For example, it has a total of three screens per seat. As well as the 18.5-inch in-flight entertainment screen, there are also two more (three if you include the no smoking and seatbelt signs which are now displayed digitally).

Privacy divider
The privacy divider operates by a simple sliding mechanism. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

However, those who like the smaller details will also be pleased. Nothing has been overlooked in designing the seat, from the way the table slides to the stitching on the fabric itself.

IFE Screen
The 18.5-inch IFE screen can be used from gate to gate. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

The two central seats are potentially best for couples. However, if travelling in the seat on your own, you are able to slide a privacy screen across to divide the two seats. This can remain closed for taxi, takeoff and landing, something which is not possible with the dividers in the old Club World cabin. Simple Flying has a more in-depth article on the new Club Suites cabin available here.

Natural light
BA is starting to roll out suites on new aircraft. Photo: British Airways

World Traveller Plus

Step behind the second Club Suites cabin and you reach the World Traveller Plus cabin. This is the British flag carrier’s premium economy offering. This cabin sees the seats laid out in three blocks, divided by two aisles.

British Airways Airbus A350 Best Seats
Not all seats are created equal. In most premium economy classes there is enough space between seats to mitigate the intrusion of a reclining seat. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

At eight abreast, the seating is configured in a 2-4-2 layout. While the layout is only one seat less per row than in economy, the additional legroom is the key upgrade here. While testing one of the new World Traveller Plus seats, I was very impressed with the legroom on offer. In fact, I felt it was akin to that of a regular bulkhead seat, if not more.

World Traveller plus
Premium economy passengers seated behind a bulkhead will have fold-away screens. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

The seats have a fairly generous recline, in addition to a fairly robust leg rest. The seat reclines into a Z shape, almost like an angled bed. Were I to travel on an overnight flight, I feel I would be more than comfortable. Additionally, it seemed as though there would be plenty of space to get out of a middle or window seat without causing serious disruption.

World Traveller plus plugs
Plugs are provided in the World Traveller Plus cabin. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

The World Traveller Plus cabin is formed as a single enclosed cabin. There are 56 premium economy seats, which happens to be the same number as suites. However, the cabin has half the number of rows at seven.

Overhead Bins
Generous overhead storage is provided. A mirror is included so you can see in the bin as it opens. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Those in the front row of the World Traveller Plus have a foldable in-flight entertainment screen which must be stowed for takeoff and landing. However, the remaining screens are located in the setbacks throughout the cabin.

World Traveller

Last but by no means least is the new economy cabin toward the rear of the aircraft. The majority of the cabin is laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration. However, the final row has just five seats in a 2-3-0 configuration. The economy cabin is where the seating begins to get slightly more cramped. However, due to the wide body and large windows of the Airbus A350-1000, it does not feel claustrophobic.

Economy seats
The World Traveller cabin has a 3-3-3 layout. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Towards the front of the World Traveller cabin, there is a smaller section which is divided from the main cabin by two toilets. The wall between the two toilets can be removed to make more space for those with accessibility needs. Behind this small division is the remainder of the economy cabin.

Economy Leg Room
The legroom in economy could have been worse. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

At the rear of the World Traveller cabin is the crew’s main work area. Here you will find the large galley which, surprisingly, is larger than my kitchen. The galley has a row of four coffee machines! Tucked away back there is also the crew rest area. Whilst it doesn’t have enough room to stand, it didn’t feel claustrophobic despite the lack of natural light.

Folding screens
The front economy seats have folding screens. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Fun facts

All in all, the aircraft has 331 seats across its three classes. It is powered by two Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, which can propel the aircraft to a range of 8,700 miles. With its length of almost 74 meters, the aircraft has eight exits, four on either side. G-XWBA is the first of 18 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered by British Airways. Four should be delivered by the end of the year.

British Airways Airbus A350 Landing Gear
The landing gear on the brand new aircraft is very shiny! Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

What do you think of BA’s new A350? Let us know in the comments!