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British Airways Q3 Results – North Atlantic Unit Revenue Up 12%
IAG’s Q3 results show British Airways posted 12% growth in North Atlantic revenue (per available seat kilometre) compared with Q3 last year. What’s interesting is that BA achieved this with just 2.2% more capacity on North Atlantic routes, while its overall capacity fell by 1.3%.
Across the IAG Group, North Atlantic unit revenue increased by 11%, despite capacity increasing by just 0.2%. BA did even better, with unit revenue up 12.6% after removing currency fluctuations. BA also outperformed other IAG airlines on North Atlantic routes, with Iberia recording a 4.2% increase in North Atlantic unit revenue and Aer Lingus just 0.7%.
Overall, the financial results were less positive. IAG’s quarterly revenue rose 4.5% to €9.74 billion, but operating profit fell 15.9% to €1.73 billion. Fuel costs rose by a substantial 30.4% during the quarter, while the conflict in the Middle East, cancelled routes, and air traffic control disruption also added pressure.
IAG Loyalty, meanwhile, saw profits rise 8% to £152 million, showing how lucrative Avios remains for IAG.
With only a slight increase in capacity and passengers willing to pay BA’s current fares, there seems to be little incentive to offer major discounts on North Atlantic routes. We’ve seen very few meaningful premium cabin deals to the US this year, even on ex-EU routes, despite searching regularly.
IAG has also said forward bookings are encouraging into early 2027, with 85% of expected Q4 bookings already made.
Read IAG’s full Q3 2026 results here
Singapore Airlines’ Long-Awaited New First and Business Class Suites
Singapore Airlines has finally revealed its new cabins after years of anticipation. Highlights include First Class double beds and Business Class suites with privacy doors.
The new cabins will be fitted to 41 refurbished Airbus A350s and 31 new Boeing 777-9s. First Class will only be available on the seven A350-900ULRs and the Boeing 777-9s, while the remaining 34 A350s will get the new Business Class suites.
You will have to wait until the second half of 2027 to experience them due to certification and supply chain issues.
First Suites
The new First cabin looks particularly impressive, with four suites on the A350-900ULR, which will have First for the first time, and six on the Boeing 777-9.
The suites have 67-inch-high privacy doors, leather seating and 32-inch 4K entertainment screens. Companion dining is also an option, with a large table enabling face-to-face dining.
The centre suites can be combined to create a queen-sized double bed measuring 80 x 60 inches, the largest in commercial aviation.
Business Class
The new Business cabin has undergone quite the visual transformation, with a contemporary grey-and-green design.
The new 1-2-1 suites include 52-inch privacy doors, larger footwells, wireless charging and 20 to 22-inch 4K entertainment screens. The seats will also convert electronically into fully flat beds, and some centre seats can be combined to create side-by-side beds.
This looks more comfortable than the current Business design, with awkwardly placed footwells that require an angled sleeping position. However, seat width has reduced from 28 inches in the current Business Class to 22 inches on the A350 and 24 inches on the Boeing 777-9.
Virgin Atlantic’s New Autumn/Winter Menu + a New Role for Orville
Virgin Atlantic has just launched its new Autumn/Winter menu across all flights departing the UK.
Upper Class
In Upper Class, the new menu includes dishes such as:
- Rich duck ragù with gnocchi, baby basil, rocket and hard Italian cheese
- Beef short ribs with boulangère potato, wilted kale, carrots and peppercorn sauce
- Chicken Milanese with caper cream and olive oil mash
- Miso salmon with mixed rice and crisp kale
- On Caribbean routes, you can enjoy Caribbean jerk chicken with spiced tomato and pepper rice
The popular buttermilk chicken burger also remains on the menu. For dessert, Sir Richard Branson’s sticky toffee pudding with cream returns, alongside a festive citrus mince pie layer slice.
The signature Upper Class Mile High Tea is also getting an update. Orville, one half of Virgin Atlantic’s famous salt and pepper pot duo, is appearing as an edible Black Forest dessert, alongside Earl Grey cheesecake and a warm scone with clotted cream and jam. On the savoury side, the traditional finger sandwiches are being swapped for a Caprese sea salt focaccia roll and an open-seeded baguette with beetroot houmous, fig and feta.
The drinks selection is getting a refresh too, with Chapel Down Chardonnay joining the wine list and Camden Hells lager added to the beer options. If you’re flying to the Caribbean, you can enjoy MOTH Piña Colada.
Alcohol-free additions include Twinings ‘Refresh’ Sparkling Tea, Unrooted Super Greens shots (breakfast), the return of Pentire Paloma, plus DotDot’s sparkling lychee and rose bubble tea joining services to Phuket, the Maldives and Seoul.
Premium
On the refreshed Premium menu, you’ll find:
- Grilled chicken in a cashew satay sauce with coconut rice and steamed green beans
- Dill-roasted salmon with smashed minted peas, crushed parsley potatoes and lemon butter sauce
- Truffle macaroni cheese with wild mushrooms and a garlic crumb (a returning favourite)
Between meals, you can enjoy snacks including Joe & Seph’s milk chocolate bars and Cartwright & Butler biscuits.
In Economy, portion sizes have increased, and you can expect hearty meals alongside a refreshed Mile High Tea, which includes a new sandwich and branded jam. Angel’s Envy bourbon will be available in all cabins.
The Heathrow Clubhouse Menu
The Clubhouse menu has also had a seasonal refresh, with some destination-inspired dishes developed by Sodexo’s executive chef, including:
- French onion soup with Lincolnshire Poacher cheese – a French classic with a British twist
- Thai vegetable Massaman curry with steamed rice, sweet potato and crushed cashews – a nod to the new Phuket route
- Korean fried chicken bao with kimchi, gochujang and sesame – a taste of Seoul
- Chargrilled chicken with roasted squash, avocado yoghurt dressing and pickled vegetables
The dessert menu includes spiced apple and pear crumble with custard, or a chocolate tart with orange crème fraîche and candied cocoa nibs.
