British Airways does not expect a delay in the May delivery of the first four of its 24 B787 Dreamliners on order, despite recent safety concerns plaguing the aircraft, says regional commercial manager for Africa, Ian Petrie.
“The safety and security of our customers will always be at the heart of our operation and all our business decisions. We are confident that any safety concerns will be fully addressed by Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration as part of their recently announced review into the aircraft. We are not surprised that the new aircraft design experiences some problems. We anticipated and expected this but we remain committed to taking delivery of the aircraft.” 
Petrie says the airline also expects delivery in July of the first of 12 A380s and in autumn will announce the routes the B787s and A380s will serve.
The fleet renewal forms part of a £5bn (R69bn) investment programme focusing on upgraded aircraft, innovative technologies and customer services. More than 70% of all BA flights to South Africa already carry an improved product. 
Resembling a private jet interior, the £100m (R1,4bn) new 14-passenger First cabin features private suites in herringbone lay out, each with two metre-long fully lie-flat seats, wardrobes with shoe compartments, mood-lighting and electronic blinds. 
Club World boasts a new range of between-meal snacks and treats. World Traveller Plus cabins now have new seats with more leg-room and improved catering, while World Traveller passengers receive tuck-box-style treats after the main meal. 
All new aircraft have been fitted with a new in-flight entertainment system. Some 2 000 flight crew and 3 600 pilots carry iPads for improved ground-to-air communication and a more personalised passenger service. More than 1m BA passengers are using mobile phone apps to book flights and present boarding passes.