Which airline introduced the first fully flat business-class seat in 1999?

British Airways introduced the first fully flat business-class seat in 1999.

British Airways launched its Club World product with seats that converted into fully flat beds. The innovation changed expectations for long-haul business class, where earlier seats generally reclined but did not create a horizontal sleeping surface.

The airline arranged the seats in a distinctive forward- and rear-facing layout, allowing greater privacy and efficient use of cabin space. The product was introduced as airlines competed to attract corporate travelers willing to pay premium fares for comfort and rest.

Other airlines soon developed their own lie-flat business-class products, and many later added direct aisle access, doors and more elaborate suites. “Fully flat” is also different from “angled flat,” a design that reclines substantially but leaves the passenger’s body on a slope.