British Airways has become the first United Kingdom carrier to take delivery of the long-range Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The state-of-the art aircraft is longer, sleekier, quieter and more fuel efficient than its predecessors and according to aviation experts, showcases the future face of British Airways.

The 777-300 series features an all-new interior including new World Traveller and new World Traveller Plus cabins and a new in-flight entertainment system.

It is not immediately clear if the crew would deploy the aircraft on its Lagos-London route, considered one of its prime routes worldwide.

The easy-to-use entertainment system will feature more than 230 TV programmes, 70 films and 400 CDs, plug-and play technology, as well as high-resolution screens which are 60% bigger than currently used screens.

BA’s Chief Executive Officer, Willie Walsh, said the airline’s first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft was a reflection of its commitment to deliver the best travel experience to customers.

Walsh pointed out that the aircraft remained the first to be fitted with BA’s new World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabins, with new in-flight entertainment systems providing customers with 50 per cent more choice on movies and doubling the range of TV and music options.

“We will add two more B777-300s by the end of this year, and three more by early 2012. All these new aircrafts generate significantly less CO2 emissions per seat than their predecessors and reinforce British Airways’ commitment to reduce its carbon footprint,” he said.