2019 has arrived, and with it, there are plenty of exciting changes planned for the aviation industry to look forward to. Some airlines are moving airports, while we can also expect whole new airports to fully open. British Airways will be looking to introduce a new premium economy experience onboard their long-haul fleet.

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This will be in addition to new seats planned for both the first and business class cabins. So far we only know that soft upgrades are planned for the cabin. However, with new aircraft due to arrive, some have speculated that the change could accompany a new premium economy seat. Last year BA installed new World Traveller Plus seats on six B777s based out of Gatwick in a three-class configuration.

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British Airways is rolling out a new World Traveller Plus seat on some aircraft. Photo: British Airways

New Year, New Aircraft, New Look

In 2019 British Airways is set to receive 15 new aircraft, including the Airbus A350. As the airline will celebrate its 100th anniversary, they couldn't pick a better time to improve their offering. We know that the A350 will feature the airlines new business class seat, which is set to be rolled out across the fleet by 2023. Rather surprisingly, however, the A350s will not include first class. Hence the emphasis on the other cabins. The airline will also be introducing a new First seat on two refurbished B777 aircraft by the end of the year.

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The new improvements to the premium economy cabin will be "industry-leading". Photo: British Airways

Planned Premium Improvements

Currently, very little is known about the improvements coming to the premium economy cabin. We do, however, know a couple of important details thanks to a hint in a recent press release. Firstly, the only upgrades hinted at are soft. These upgrades are to the bedding provided, and to the catering menu.

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The catering in World Traveller Plus will be part of the upgrade. Photo: British Airways

The catering would likely be provided by Do&Co who currently provide the food for Club Europe, and are the airline's catering partner at Heathrow. British Airways says that 2019 will see "An extended partnership with premium dining supremo Do&Co, the airline’s new in-flight caterer from Heathrow and already providing meals in Club Europe." While very little beyond this is currently known about BA's plans, they have alluded to the fact that the changes will be industry-leading. With so much money to be made from the premium economy cabin, it is no surprise that the airline wants to entice customers.

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"An industry-leading makeover for World Traveller Plus. Look out for new bedding and new dining  in this intimate and exclusive cabin." - British Airways

When approached by Simple Flying for comment, a British Airways representative told us that the new seats introduced at Gatwick were now being rolled out at Heathrow. They also told us that the new look premium economy cabin will be unveiled shortly, but that no date is currently available.

What changes would you like to see made in the premium economy cabin? Let us know in the comments down below!