British Airways unveils its brand new First Class cabin
British Airways has unveiled its brand-new First seat, combining elegant design with expert British craftsmanship, reflective of modern British luxury travel. The new cabin forms part of the airline’s A380 retrofit plans, expected to take to the skies in mid-2026.
British Airways has introduced its newly designed First seat, merging stylish aesthetics with skilled British craftsmanship, reflecting contemporary British luxury travel. This new cabin is part of the airline’s retrofit plans, set to launch in mid-2026.
The revamped First class aims to deliver the ambiance of a modern luxury hotel, offering home-like comforts alongside thoughtful British accents at cruising altitude. Expert designers and top manufacturers from regions including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin have meticulously curated the seat.
This ultra-wide seat measures 36.5 inches, with a 79-inch long bed, and comes with a versatile ottoman and an elegant, stowable table. It boasts a 32-inch 4K TV, adjustable mood lighting featuring settings for ‘relax,’ ‘dine,’ and ‘cinema.’ Users can adjust the seat at the touch of a button to achieve their ideal comfort level, all within a cocooned 60-inch curved wall that ensures maximum privacy while maintaining a spacious atmosphere.
For those traveling together in the cabin's center, a sliding divider opens to create a shared lounge area, and stowable tables facilitate 'buddy dining' with companions in the seat.
The cabin’s graceful curves draw inspiration from the aerodynamic wings of British Airways’ Concorde, fostering a natural flow and inviting atmosphere. Passengers can effortlessly roll their luggage into their designated storage area, enhancing the convenience of settling in before their journey.
Additionally, the suite features ambient lighting with a distinctive design that subtly hints at the airline’s speed brand and pays tribute to Concorde. Each suite has window blinds controllable via buttons on the internal panel for all three windows per seat. The soft panelling within the seat aids in sound insulation, enhancing the feeling of a private and secluded space. Passengers can also utilize the new ‘do not disturb’ feature on the wireless control tablet, alerting the crew if they wish to maximize their relaxation on board.
British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said: “We’re incredibly proud to launch the next era of First that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity, taking into consideration customer preferences and expectations to the finest detail.
“This coupled with our incredible colleagues delivering a world-class service, following the launch of our First Service Specialists scheme, as well as the many benefits of flying First such as First Wing entry, access to our award-winning lounges including our Concorde Room and priority boarding, means we truly believe we offer a winning combination in delivering an extraordinary experience for our customers.”
The airline gathered insights from colleagues and customers to refine design elements and features, such as thoughtfully designed stowage that prioritizes usability and functionality. It also introduced a fully rectangular bed, inspired by customer feedback, designed to replicate the comforts of home.
Additionally, the airline collaborated closely with Collins Aerospace RTX business, a leading manufacturer, to develop the First seat, building upon their previous work on British Airways’ Club Suite and short-haul aircraft seats earlier this year.
Photography courtesy of British Airways
British Airways takes pride in being the only UK-based European carrier that provides a First product for transatlantic flights. Passengers traveling in First enjoy the airline’s most luxurious travel experience, featuring an elegant seat, exclusive lounge access, expedited security, the First Wing at Heathrow, and exceptional onboard service. The airline ensures a premium experience for travelers from booking through to their arrival.
Committed to enhancing customer experience, the airline has already implemented over 120 initiatives as part of its £7 billion transformation strategy, including new short-haul seats, complimentary Wi-Fi messaging onboard, and upgrades to its lounges worldwide.
