British Airways A380s set for new first class, business class

British Airways is set to transform its Airbus A380s with all-new first class suites, alongside the latest Club Suites private business class berths.

The make-over begins in the middle of 2026, and with a dozen superjumbos going under the knife the process could stretch to 2028 – suggesting that BA intends to keep the A380s flying well into the next decade. 

The same first class suites are also intended to crown BA’s forthcoming Boeing 777-9 jets, the delivery of which is now likely to take place sometime after 2027.

British Airways’ A380 first class cabin will remain on the main lower deck, and be reduced from 14 suites to 12 during the refit.

British Airways' new A380 first class.

This 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.

Meanwhile, the crowded dormitory-style Club World business class will make way for the newer Club Suites already flying on BA’s Airbus A350s, as well as many Boeing 777s and an increasing number of 787s as the Dreamliners retrofit chugs ahead.

British Airways' new A380 business class.

The A380s will see a 13% increase in the number of business class seats across the lower and upper decks, with 110 doored berths all up.

British Airways' new A380 business class.

There’s an even bigger relative boost in premium economy, where the new A350-grade recliners almost double from 55 to 84 seats.

In the final tally, a staggering 49% of the A380 will be given over to premium cabins – testament to British Airways’ belief that the future belongs to high flyers with more money to spend, or a greater willingness to spend it.