Bmi, China Southern overhaul business class cabins

Two international airlines – the U.K.’s bmi, with transatlantic service from Chicago and Las Vegas to Manchester and beyond; and China’s China Southern, which flies from LAX to Guangzhou and beyond – are introducing new and improved business class service this fall. The new bmi seats recline into lie-flat beds and offer 26-inch width as well as electronic lumbar support, individual reading lights and an extra storage compartment at the rear of each seat. They have 15-inch seatback video screens with a choice of film, TV and audio programming. Meanwhile, bmi is also installing business class seats into its premium economy sections, with 50 degrees of recline, 21-inch width and 49-inch seat pitch. China Southern is introducing new business class and first class service with the debut this month of its new A330-300s. The new four-seat first class has cocoon-like seating modules that recline to 180 degrees; they feature a new video-on-demand system for in-flight entertainment. The 24 business class seats are 75 inches long and 23.6 inches wide. Both first and business class seats have built-in seatback massagers, and passengers can now opt for “on-demand” dining, setting their preferred dining times before departure.