As of today (June 2) all passengers flying in Continental's business class from Heathrow will have flat bed seats.
Continental's BusinessFirst seat reclines to 180 degrees, with 1.98m of sleeping space in the fully flat position, replacing the older, cradle style seating.
Bob Schumacher, Continental's senior director UK and Ireland, said BusinessFirst customers are now "assured of a flat bed seat whenever they choose to fly with us to New York or Houston".
The airline claims the seat is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 68.5 cm when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion on the 777 (63.5 cm on the 757-200).
The installation of the new business class started in November 2009, with 10 of Continental's 20 777s and nine of the airline's 41 757-200s now flying with the new seat. The remaining planes should be complete by the end of the year, said Continental.
Installation of the new flat bed seat on 767-400ER and 767-200ER aircraft will begin next year.
www.continental.com