What do we know about the new First Class seat?It’s been a long time coming for First Class passengers
BA’s first-class seat has barely changed. A nip and tuck and a closing door were added to the old seat (to make it a suite), but nothing groundbreaking. The seat has never been a bad one – it’s decent – but with airlines upgrading and improving their product, the question was being asked: what next for BA First Class?
What do we know about the new First Class seat?
- It will launch on the A380 in mid-2026
- The seat is 36.5inches wide
- When in a reclined bed position it will be 79 inches long (6.5ft)
- 32inch 4K tv
- Adjustable mood lighting: “relax”, “dine” and “cinema”.
- The suite is enclosed in a 60-inch curved wall
So what else is new in the upgraded First Class suite?
For couples or friends, the two central seats will have a moveable divider that turns the two seats into a single suite. This looks to be a much more connected space than the current first class, where you can drop down a divider, but it’s at eye level. At the moment, First seats don’t really feel connected; you just get to look at the other person.
With the new First Class, you can actually walk between the seats. It feels like a much better solution for couples or people who are travelling together (and who actually want to talk). BA talks about “buddy dining”, something almost possible with the current First-Class setup (albeit, you have to be stick thin) and something that was possible on the old 747 First.
Dining together is underrated on a plane. You can spend half your flight watching TV alone and then join up with your partner to eat together. It’s a positive change.
What do we know about the A380 retrofit?
BA’s A380s are crying out for attention. They still contain the old club seat so the upcoming retrofit will upgrade them to the club suite. The new First Class suites will be installed on the lower deck, with three rows of four suites. Two in the centre, and one with windows on each side.
The A380 is a big plane, which means there are longer retrofit times. BA is targeting a mid-2026 launch for the first plane.
A commitment to First, and the A380
BA has been talking about retrofitting the A380, and this news confirms that the giant plane will be part of BA’s fleet for a while. At the same time, more airlines are moving away from First Class. Qatar’s highest class will be business once their A380s retire. Most European airlines consider First Class an afterthought if they have it at all.
This new first-class seat looks great. It’s more than just a tweak, but it’s not quite a revolution. That’s not a bad thing. Whilst BA previously led the way with their first and business class product they’ve been usurped by the Middle Eastern carriers. You just can’t compete with Etihad’s The Residence, or Emirates First, and they’ve chosen not to.
Instead, they’ve launched an attractive, upgraded proposition that’s better than what they have, and they seem to have listened to the market when it comes to features.
What else has been upgraded?
There’s more space to store carry-on luggage and a jacket. This mini-wardrobe looks good too.
There’s also handbag, or laptop bag, storage. The red interior, like the wardrobe, is really nice.
There’s a unique looking sidelight.
The lighting, textures and the layout of the storage makes this suite look cosy.
There’s a touchscreen next to the seat, which includes an air-vent, universal socket, USB A and C sockets and headphone ports.
Finally, the suite contains window blinds – just like the current First product – with three windows for each seat.
