British Airways has officially announced a significant upgrade to its CityFlyer Embraer 190 fleet, which primarily operates from London City Airport (LCY).
This refurbishment aims to enhance passenger experience and increase capacity, including the addition of new slimline seats and an overall reconfiguration of the aircraft interiors.
Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Comfort
After months of speculation, British Airways has confirmed that its CityFlyer fleet will undergo a refit, adding new slimline seats to all 20 Embraer 190 jets. This change is set to increase each aircraft’s capacity from 98 to 106 seats, effectively adding an extra 60,000 seats for the summer 2024 season alone.
The slimline seats are designed to maximize space while maintaining a high level of passenger comfort. These seats will enable the airline to accommodate more passengers without sacrificing the quality of the travel experience.
Operational and Passenger Benefits
The primary operations of the CityFlyer fleet will continue to be from London City Airport, with additional routes from Edinburgh and Southampton during weekends. This strategic placement allows for better service and flexibility for passengers flying in and out of these key locations.
Historically, the Embraer 190 jets were configured with a generous 33-inch seat pitch, designed to meet pilot agreements and crew requirements. However, recent changes in pilot contracts and an operational shift towards enhancing customer service have enabled the airline to reconfigure the cabin layout.
The new configuration will include 14 rows, up from the current 12, with a seat pitch adjustment to approximately 28-29 inches for most rows. Despite this reduction, the introduction of slimline seats is expected to maintain a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
What is the Legroom on Densified Aircraft?
The updated seating arrangement brings changes to legroom across the aircraft:
- Rows 1-12 will retain a 33-inch pitch.
- Rows 13-25 will shrink from 33 inches to 29 inches.
- Row 26 (new) will have a 29-inch pitch.
- Row 27 (new) will have a 28-inch pitch.
While the entire aircraft has been refitted with the new slimmer seats, the exit row remains at Row 12. This is due to the fixed position of the emergency exits, preventing the addition of an extra row in front of it. Additionally, British Airways aims to provide Club Europe passengers with some extra space.
For those concerned about legroom, it’s worth noting that the exit row seats will remain unchanged, preserving the extra legroom in these coveted spots. This move ensures that while overall capacity is increased, specific areas of the aircraft still offer enhanced comfort.
Enhancing the Flying Experience
The addition of more seats and the redesign of the cabin interior is part of British Airways’ broader commitment to offering more choices and better value to its customers. By increasing the number of available seats, the airline can cater to the growing demand for flights from London City Airport and beyond.
Moreover, the operational changes include introducing three cabin crew members on certain flights, aimed at improving onboard service. This enhancement could lead to additional services, such as ‘buy on board’ options for the Euro Traveller class, further improving the overall passenger experience.
Strategic and Competitive Advantages
The reconfiguration of the CityFlyer fleet not only meets the increasing demand for air travel but also helps British Airways maintain a competitive edge in the market. More seats translate to potentially lower fares, making flights from London City Airport more attractive to a broader range of travellers.
Additionally, the increased capacity means more availability for bookings, particularly for last-minute trips, which is a significant advantage for business travellers. Frequent flyers can also benefit from the increased opportunities for collecting and redeeming loyalty points, enhancing the overall value of the British Airways loyalty program.
Conclusion
The reconfiguration of the BA CityFlyer Embraer 190 fleet represents a strategic move to enhance capacity and passenger comfort, particularly for the busy summer 2024 season. With the addition of new slimline seats and an increase in available seats, travellers can look forward to more choices and better value. This upgrade underscores British Airways’ commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
