Delta unveils lie-flat seats in business class

Travellers flying business class from London to select destinations in the USA with Delta will soon be able to take advantage of a brand new lie-flat seat.

The seat will become the standard option in the airline's international BusinessElite cabin - which offers passengers priority check-in, lounge access and more - onboard its Boeing 767-400 from next spring, with other Boeing 767 planes set to be fitted with the seats in the future.

Capable of folding out into beds measuring 77 inches long, the seats will be installed in a configuration that allows all business class flyers to have direct access to the aisle.

Other features of the new seat include a full-size pillow and duvet, PC power and USB ports, extra-large tables, a personal reading light, shoe storage and ergonomic lumbar support.

"We know our elite international business customers want the ultimate in high-flying comfort that only a true full-flat seat can give," commented Joanne Smith of Delta.

Meanwhile, the carrier also announced that it will take delivery of new Boeing 777 Long Range aircraft that will be fitted with Solar Elite Full Flat Suites comprising beds measuring six feet and three inches long.

It will also kit out its Boeing 757 planes with new cradle recliner-style seats for those flying from the UK on business class flights to New York, among other destinations.

• Less than a week until Esta launch
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• KLM to turn 90 this year
• Continental to launch new Heathrow flights
• Aer Lingus to launch flights from Gatwick Airport
• British Airways orders 11 new aircraft
• Milestone reached in Birmingham Airport pier project