British Airways is set to introduce luxurious new first-class suites on its Airbus A380 aircraft starting in mid-2026 as part of a significant retrofit project. The airline has previewed these brand-new first-class seats, which are expected to enhance the passenger experience as part of a £7 billion ($8.8 billion) revamp, according to The Independent.
The new suites, manufactured by Collins Aerospace, will be arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with three rows per cabin, totaling 12 seats. The suites feature high walls rising to a height of 60 inches, providing passengers with enhanced privacy in a cocooned space.
“We’re incredibly proud to launch the next era of First that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity,” Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, stated, according to The Independent. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to exceeding traveler expectations through thoughtful design and innovative features.
The suite’s design draws inspiration from the wings of British Airways’ retired supersonic airliner, Concorde, adding a sense of movement and a warm welcome. The elegant curves and curved corners contribute to a friendly atmosphere while ensuring privacy without claustrophobia.
Passengers will enjoy a seat that is 36.5 inches wide and converts into a fully lie-flat bed measuring 79 inches in length, designed to mirror the ambiance of a high-end modern hotel. The suites include a 32-inch 4K television for entertainment, along with advanced features such as mood lighting, wireless charging surfaces, and an electronically closing door for complete privacy.
The new first-class suites will offer a sophisticated lighting system with adjustable modes for relaxation, dining, and cinema, allowing passengers to customize their experience. Travelers can control the suite’s features, including inflight entertainment screens, lighting, and seat position, using a 10-inch tablet-style controller.
For those traveling with a companion, the middle divider of the new first-class seats can be retracted to form a cozy shared area, complete with retractable tables for joint dining. This allows passengers to experience “buddy dining” in the seat.
Storage solutions within the suite have been innovatively designed. The new first-class cabin includes a dedicated luggage compartment for each passenger, ensuring easy access and storage. Additionally, the suite includes a closet with an eye-catching red interior, allowing passengers to wheel their luggage straight in, avoiding overhead bin struggles.
The suite also features a multi-purpose ottoman, which can double as seating for a companion during meals, and offers more charging options and a control panel next to the seat. The control panel features an international charging port, plus USB-A and USB-C outlets, and there is a wireless charging port on the console.
Passengers can adjust the mood lighting, choosing between “Relax,” “Dine,” or “Cinema,” as Forbes describes. The suite includes a device holder allowing passengers to prop up their phone or tablet in flight, and pulling out a small extra component flips it up to become a neat phone holder.
The design of the new first-class suite was developed by Tangerine Design Consultancy, which has a history of working with British Airways and notable brands like Apple and Toyota. The suite has been brought to life with the help of Collins Aerospace, which also developed British Airways’ Club Suite and had earlier successful projects with the airline on short-haul aircraft seating.
The new first-class suites will be rolled out across British Airways’ fleet of 12 double-decker Airbus A380s, with service expected to begin by summer 2026 as part of the airline’s retrofit plans. Starting in mid-2026, British Airways plans to introduce its new first-class suite on Airbus A380 aircraft, targeting some U.S. markets.
Despite the trend of competitors canceling first class on international flights, British Airways’ decision to continue offering first-class service reflects the airline’s belief that there remains a strong demand for the highest level of air travel luxury. British Airways stands as the sole European carrier from the UK offering a first-class product on transatlantic flights and plans to offer first class on 65% of its long-haul flights.
Passengers eager to experience British Airways’ new first-class suites will need to budget accordingly, as the prices for the tickets are on the higher end of the spectrum, averaging £800 per hour of flight. Despite the development and construction cost of each suite reaching £100,000, the prices British Airways charges cover the investment.
The new first-class suites are part of British Airways’ broader commitment to enhancing customer experience. The Independent quoted Laming stating that the combination of the new first-class suite features and “incredible colleagues delivering a world-class service” creates a “winning combination” for an extraordinary customer experience.
In addition to the new first-class suites, British Airways is also planning to introduce new Club World suites. The new Club World suites are expected to take to the skies in the middle of 2026.
British Airways is soon to be the only airline still offering first class across the Atlantic, emphasizing the airline’s dedication to providing unparalleled luxury in air travel.
