Airline carriers are considering reducing their first class business travel cabins to enable more economy seating following a significant reduction in first class corporate travel in 2009.
However, this move may not be necessary with early indications that first class may be back in favour among corporate travellers in 2010.
Business confidence in Australia is far greater than it was at this time 12 months ago when the GFC was hitting hard. Some experts, including the world’s third largest corporate travel management company, BCD Travel, predict a surge in first class corporate travel bookings in 2010.
Latest IATA figures show demand for premium seating in November 2009 was 5% up on May but still 6.7% lower than November 2008. However, British Airways, Finnair and Lufthansa have all reported noticeable increases in first class bookings in 2010, although they are well off their pre-GFC levels.
The latest airline carrier to announce it is considering reducing first class is Qantas, which may remove up to two-thirds of its first class seating to free up more room for economy. It would retain first class seating on popular business travel routes, Sydney to Los Angeles and Sydney to London. Qantas has not yet made any firm decisions. Other carriers also considering removing some first class seating include Cathay Pacific, Virgin Blue and bmi.