British Airways is set to invest £100 million in a major overhaul of its long haul business class service. According to airline officials, the enhancements will be introduced from mid-2006 and will build on the success of the airline's existing Club World flat bed - the industry's first completely flat bed in business class.

The airline intends to upgrade all aspects of the journey - both on the ground and in the air. British Airways also plans to make a major upgrade to its in-flight entertainment system in all four cabins, also to be introduced from summer 2006.

"The introduction of a new Club World product heralds a change for British Airways which will ensure that the airline is set apart from our major competitors to provide air travelers with the very best in business class," says Martin George, British Airways' commercial director. "British Airways revolutionized the aviation world when we pioneered the very first flat bed in business class in 2000.  We must continue to lead the industry in this fiercely competitive market,” he added.