This is exciting, and long overdue. British Airways has just revealed the details of its new first class suite, which will be introduced starting in 2026.
Details of British Airways’ new first class suite
British Airways has plans to introduce a new first class product. Not surprisingly, I’d say the product is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but it still looks like a material improvement over the current seat. Many of us have long called British Airways first class the world’s best business class, and I think this product should change that.
What can we expect from British Airways’ new first class, designed in partnership with Collins Aerospace?
- The first class suites will be in a 1-2-1 configuration, with privacy doors and curved walls that are 60″ high
- The seat is 36.5″ wide, the bed has a length of 79″, so it’s quite spacious
- The center seats are cool, as the divider between seats can fully slide open, so that you can better share the space if you’re traveling with someone; the ottoman can also double as a buddy seat, for face-to-face dining
- The seat features much improved technology, including a 32″ 4K personal television, several charging options (AC, USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging), and bluetooth audio
- The seat has a lot more storage than before, with several enclosed compartments, plus a private closet at each seat
- The curves throughout the cabin take inspiration from British Airways’ Concorde wings
Here’s how British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, describes this product:
“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.”
Below you can find some renderings of the new first class product.
This isn’t going to be the world’s best first class, but I’m impressed, as it’s an elegant-looking product, and has some thoughtful improvements. For example, I love how the center suites can be turned into a larger space, where you can actually walk easily between them.
It is interesting how British Airways is positioning this. On the one hand, the airline claims it’s “taking luxury to new heights” and calls it a “game changing new first seat,” but then the airline also describes itself as the “only European carrier to offer First class from London to the US.” Indeed, I think we can all agree British Airways has the best first class on nonstop flights between London and the US of any European airline. 😉
Just about all the major European airlines are currently rolling out new first class products. Lufthansa has just launched its new Allegris first class, which will also be installed on SWISS, and will be known as SWISS Senses. Air France is also expected to shortly announce its new La Premiere first class.
When will British Airways’ new first class debut?
British Airways will debut its new first class in mid-2026, on Airbus A380s. Specifically, British Airways plans to reconfigure its A380s as of then, with new cabins across the plane, and that includes a new first class.
My assumption is that when British Airways reconfigures its A380s, we’ll see a bit more logical of a layout. Currently the airline has business class, premium economy, and economy, on the upper deck, and first class, business class, and economy, on the lower deck. That will likely be streamlined a bit, with first class and business class both fully moving upstairs.
British Airways will also presumably introduce its new first class on Boeing 777-9s, once those are delivered, though it’s anyone’s guess when that happens, given delays with the aircraft.
It remains to be seen if British Airways plans to retrofit any other existing planes with these cabins. British Airways has sort of introduced an interim new first class product on some Boeing 777s, which is decent, but not amazing. Let’s see if some existing 777s and 787s will get this new first class… I wouldn’t count on it.
Bottom line
British Airways has just unveiled its new first class product, which looks like a very nice improvement over the existing experience. This is expected to be installed on A380s when they’re retrofitted, plus on newly delivered 777-9s. This product looks solid — while it won’t be the best first class product in the world, it’s a significant improvement over the old one.
We also have to give British Airways credit for often pricing its first class reasonably, so flying with the airline in a premium cabin can represent a decent value.
What do you make of British Airways’ new first class?
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