British Airways spells luxury with First to Mauritius

British Airways has announced that following the airline's suspension of its First Class service to Mauritius over the low season summer period this year, it has reintroduced its exclusive First cabin back to the route.

Offering exceptional comfort and refined surroundings, each individual First cabin seat converts into a completely flat six foot six inch bed at the touch of a button and a Turndown Service means beds will be made up upon request at any time of day. New soft touches have been added in 2009 including a range of well-being products from D.R Harris enclosed in a new stylish Anya Hindmarch bag, exclusively designed for First.

During the new winter schedule, British Airways will continue to operate three weekly direct flights from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Mauritius on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The route will be operated by Boeing 747 aircraft with a four-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First, almost doubling the number of premium seats available on the flight.

Mauritius holidays are associated with blue lagoons, picture-perfect white-sand beaches and delectable food. Exceptional service and attention to detail is the standard during a luxury holidays in Mauritius. Customers can find the finest hotels on the island, elegant properties varying from stylish, modern designs to traditional, colonial style hotels, spread across the large number of different beaches.

Almost 70% of British Airways customers book a 5* hotel for their holiday in Mauritius. British Airways' most popular Mauritius hotel is the contemporary and sophisticated 5* Le Touessrok, the ideal choice for ultimate relaxation. The recently renovated 5* Les Pavillions located on the turquoise lagoon of Le Morne Peninsula, nestled in lush tropical gardens and the 5* Four Seasons Resort at Anahita, opened towards the end of 2008, take tropical luxury to an even higher level. Or, by staying at the 5* The Oberoi Mauritius, customers will feel like stepping into another world - exclusivity and discreet service - the idyllic retreat for romance and relaxation.

In 2010 British Airways will commence its upgrade of First on all flights, with only the best designers and chefs being asked to contribute their skills to create the ultimate First experience. This level of detail will culminate in a luxurious new cabin and seat, for which the British Airways designers have taken their inspiration from the craftsmanship in the world's most prestigious vehicles.

Ends

Notes to Editors:
The route will operate with the existing First cabin, the new upgraded First cabin referred to in the last paragraph will be introduced across the whole network commencing in 2010.

Tickets and holidays are on sale now through ba.com/mauritius and direct through BA reservations on 0844 493 0758.

About British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd
British Airways Holidays Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of British Airways plc, which offers a range of destinations, hotels, car rental and experiences. With many money-saving special offers available; and the security of travelling with British Airways, British Airways Holidays Ltd can add peace of mind to holiday plans. Working very closely with colleagues at British Airways, British Airways Holidays constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd PR contact:
Charlotte Lawrence
Astral Towers
Betts Way
London Road
Crawley
RH10 9XA
01293 722513
www.ba.com