Travel Aug. 05, 2008 - 06:35AM JST ( 5 )

Continental Airlines has unveiled details of its new 180-degree lie-flat seat for the BusinessFirst cabin on its Boeing 787, 777 and 757 aircraft. Customers will begin seeing lie-flats seats on Boeing 777 aircraft that primarily serve trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes in the fall of 2009, with installation on Continental’s 757-200 fleet beginning in 2010 and on its Boeing 787 fleet as the aircraft are delivered to Continental.

Continental’s new BusinessFirst seats allow customers to lie completely flat, reclining 180-degrees and providing 2 meters of sleeping space in the fully extended position on its widebody aircraft. The lie-flat seat is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 25 inches when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion, allowing customers to sleep more comfortably. Electronic one-touch controls enable customers to easily move the seats to pre-set upright, cradle and fully extended sleep positions and additional controls allow customers to adjust the seat back, lumbar support and leg and foot rests to the custom position most comfortable for them.

The lie-flat seats provide more individual storage space for personal items. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder. There is additional storage under the ottoman, on a shelf under the monitor and on an amenity storage alcove that provides room for small personal items such as a book or magazine and a water bottle.

iPod and iPhone connectivity will also be available at the seat, allowing each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music, all while the iPod or iPhone is charging. BusinessFirst seats on the 787 and 777 aircraft will feature a 15.4-inch video monitor for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games. Seats on the 757 aircraft will feature 10.6-inch monitors.

The new BusinessFirst seats also have a six-way adjustable head rest, an individual overhead reading light and an adjustable seat light allowing a customer to read in bed without disturbing their neighbor and a privacy shell that allows for seclusion from other travelers.

Continental’s BusinessFirst service features an extensive gourmet menu served with premium wines and champagnes created by airline’s Congress of Chefs and Sommeliers. International Concierge Service provides individualized pre and post-flight services for BusinessFirst customers at 42 airports around the world. Customers traveling in BusinessFirst can also access any of Continental’s 27 Presidents Clubs and more than 60 airline affiliated lounges worldwide.