British Airways (BA) has announced a new First Class seat design as part of its Airbus A380 retrofit program, set to debut in mid-2026. The revamped cabin will feature a wider, longer seat that converts into a fully flat bed, a 32-inch 4K television screen, and increased privacy through a 60-inch curved wall enclosure.
The new First Class suites, designed in collaboration with Tangerine Design Consultancy and manufactured by Collins Aerospace, aim to provide a “modern luxury hotel” experience at 35,000 feet. Key features include a multi-purpose ottoman, a stowable table for “buddy dining,” adjustable mood lighting, and personal luggage space. Passengers can also utilize a “do not disturb” function for uninterrupted rest.
“We’re incredibly proud to launch the next era of First that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity,” said Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to customer preferences and a world-class service experience.
The seat is 36.5 inches wide and offers a bed length of 79 inches. The design incorporates elements intended to evoke British craftsmanship, with materials sourced from various suppliers across the UK and Ireland, including Muirhead leather and Replin fabrics.
BA claims it is the only European carrier offering a First Class product on transatlantic routes from London. The new First Class is part of a broader £7 billion investment in customer experience, encompassing over 120 initiatives, according to the airline. This investment includes previous cabin upgrades on other aircraft types and lounge refurbishments.
The A380 retrofit is a significant part of this investment, although specific timelines and routes for the upgraded aircraft have not been fully detailed beyond the mid-2026 launch date. The airline has worked with several British and Irish suppliers for the new cabin, including Muirhead, Replin, and Botany Weaving.
Currently, BA operates a fleet of 12 Airbus A380 aircraft, all configured with 469 seats across four classes.
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