Revealed: British Airways’ new first class

British Airways remains steadfast in its belief there’s still a market for first class, despite business class continuing to close the gap – and its latest first class suites aim to prove that point.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

The bespoke design centres on an ultra-wide 36.5” seat facing an almost-as-big 32” 4K screen, wrapped within a 60”-high curved wall with sliding doors for privacy.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

At the touch of a button, elegant blinds slide down over all three windows for each suite.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

And the middle seats go beyond a conventional divider: for passengers traveller together, the centre panel moves completely out of the way to create a shared lounge space, with the option of ‘table for two’ dining if one passenger sits on the ottoman.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

British Airways, seat-maker Collins Aerospace and designer Tangerine also worked to ensure a 79” “fully rectangular bed, following customer feedback that replicates all the comforts of a home environment.”

British Airways' new A380 first class.

There’s also an in-suite wardrobe with room for a compact cabin bag, allowing passengers to “simply wheel their luggage into their personal luggage space, making it even easier to settle in before their flight.”

Slide-out drawers provide storage for small items such as passports, reading glasses, phones, amenity kits and handbags.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

As you’d expect, mod cons include AC, USB-C and USB-A power outlets along with wireless device charging and a touchscreen controller for all seat settings and inflight entertainment, as well as a handy Do Not Disturb indicator.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

Soft sound-absorbent material lines the inside of each suite, adding to the sense of being cocooned in your own space.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

All of BA’s new first class suites feature adjustable mood lighting with pre-set scenes such as relax, dine and cinema.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

“The elegant curves throughout the cabin take inspiration from British Airways’ Concorde wings, giving a natural flow to the space and creating a welcoming environment,” the airline says, with the “ambient light with an eye-catching design that subtly references the airline’s speedmarque and further nods to Concorde.”

British Airways' new A380 first class.

The bespoke design takes a ‘best of British’ approach by tapping UK suppliers of luxury leather for the headrest, seat surround, ottoman and cupboard interiors, where “the reveal of red leather with cream stitching reflects a bespoke Savile Row suit”.

Elsewhere in the new BA first suite is blended wool from Yorkshire and Dublin, and embroidery thread stitching from Lancashire.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

British Airways’ new first class suites will make their debut on the Airbus A380 superjumbo from mid-2026, in a refit which will also upgrade business class to the latest Club Suites.

The noticeable camber of the cabin ceiling in some photos indicates the first class cabin has been relocated to the upper deck, although it’s not known if the number of suites has been reduced from the current 14..

The same first class suites are also intended to crown BA’s forthcoming Boeing 777-9 jets, the delivery of which is now expected to take place sometime after 2026.