British Airways launches 'Turndown' for first-class passengers

The FIRST enhancements, which follow the recently unveiled overhaul of the airline's Club World business class cabin, is yet another innovation by British Airways to constantly improve premium travel.

"The Turndown Service, offers our FIRST passengers departing Dubai and Abu Dhabi the premium service of having their fully flat beds made up for them at any point during the flight -ensuring a full night of uninterrupted sleep," said Paul Starrs, British Airways' Commercial Manager, Middle East.

"FIRST passengers can board the aircraft, put on their British Airways slippers while we take-off, then, while they change in to their sleeper suits, the cabin crew will make up their bed so passengers return to nestle down for a good night's sleep at 35,000 feet."

The Turndown Service sees crew lay out a mattress, pillow and duvet - all dressed in Egyptian cotton - on the flat-bed, while passengers can slip into the airline's ever-popular sleeper suit, and make the most of updated amenity kits.

The airline, which revolutionised the industry when it introduced the world's first 'flat bed' -featuring individual cabins with electronically-controlled seats that convert to a six foot six inch bed - said the enhancements to the existing FIRST class cabin comfirms the airline's position as the market leader in premium airline travel.

"We led from the front when we introduced FIRST on board all our aircraft in 1978 and there have been a number of enhancements and improvements since," continued Starrs.

"These latest modifications raise the bar even higher and offer our premium passengers the choice of whether to sleep, work or relax at anytime during their journey in complete privacy in an on-board environment which is calm and uncluttered - luxurious, yet simple."

Starrs said the airline also plans to make further changes to the FIRST menu options and table layout, including designer crockery.

British Airways currently operates 17 weekly flights to London Heathrow from Dubai and operates daily from Abu Dhabi International Airport to the UK capital's principal airport.