British Airways has revealed a new first class seat for the Airbus A380 and the Mail has tested it.
The airline, a partner of American Airlines, unveiled the suite in a glittering ceremony on Monday night at its Waterside headquarters, next to Heathrow.
Harriet Sime and Laura Sharman from the Mail’s travel team tried it.
After “listening to colleagues and clients to help shape design elements,” BA calls the suite a “game changer.”
But what did Harriet and Laura think?
Deputy travel editor Harriet said: ‘The seating is luxurious, with elegant curves and ambient lighting. “It felt like a cocoon, with wide seating and acres of space on either side and in front.”
Deputy travel editor Laura commented: ‘It felt like walking into a sophisticated hotel suite. The seat was plush and cozy, both as a chair and when fully reclined as a bed. It certainly exudes luxury and style.’
Let’s go over some of the specifications.
British Airways has revealed a new first class seat for the Airbus A380 (above)
After “listening to colleagues and clients to help shape design elements,” BA calls the suite a “game changer.”
The suite features a 32-inch 4K TV screen and adjustable ambient lighting that includes scenes such as “relaxation,” “dinner” and “movie,” with guests nestled inside a 60-inch curved wall, for “maximum privacy.” “.
The Mail’s Laura Sharman tries out the new first class suite
In a statement, BA revealed that the seat is “ultra-wide” (36.5 inches), with a bed length of 79 inches (6 feet 6 inches) and features a “multi-use ottoman.”
It also features a 32-inch 4K TV screen and adjustable ambient lighting that includes scenes such as “relaxation,” “dinner” and “movie,” with customers nestled inside a 60-inch curved wall, for “maximum privacy.” .
Regarding privacy, BA added: ‘Soft panels within the seat help with acoustics and absorb sound, increasing the feeling of being in a private, sheltered space. Customers can also use the seat’s new “do not disturb” functionality on its wireless control tablet, which notifies the crew if they wish to maximize their rest on board.
For customers traveling together in the center of the cabin, the divider opens to create a shared lounge space and they can now take their luggage to a personal space on the outside of the suite, “making it even easier to settle in before “. his flight’.
Harriet and Laura agreed that this feature seems useful.
BA added: ‘The seat has been carefully selected by expert designers and world-class manufacturers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland, including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel and Dublin.
“We worked closely with world-class manufacturer Collins Aerospace to create the first seat, following their involvement in the careful crafting of British Airways’ Club Suite and short-haul seats earlier this year.”
Guests can now take their luggage to a personal luggage space outside the suite.
In a statement, BA revealed that the seat is “ultra-wide” (36.5 inches), with a bed length of 79 inches (6 feet 6 inches) and features a “multi-use ottoman.”
Deputy travel editor Harriet said: ‘The seating is luxurious, with elegant curves and ambient lighting. “It felt like a cocoon, with wide seating and acres of space on either side and in front.”
Deputy travel editor Laura commented: ‘It felt like walking into a sophisticated hotel suite. The seat was plush and cozy, both as a chair and when fully reclined as a bed. It certainly exudes luxury and style.
British Airways chief customer officer Calum Laming said: “We are incredibly proud to launch the next era of First that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity.”
Rhys Jones, aviation editor at frequent flyer website headforpoints.com, said: “The new cabin is a sensible approach to first class.”
Any thoughts on frequent travelers?
Rhys Jones, aviation editor at the frequent flyer website headforpoints.comHe did not attend the launch event but told MailOnline Travel he believes the new seat is taking BA in the right direction.
He commented: ‘British Airways has wisely decided not to go head-to-head with the ultra-luxury offerings of Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, some of which offer multi-bedroom apartments to passengers.
“The new cabin is a no-nonsense approach to first class with nods to the uniforms designed by Ozwald Boateng.
‘Compared to the existing seats, the new cabin should be more spacious. The question now is whether BA can offer a service and product to match (what looks like) an impressive new seat. The launch of a new first service specialist training program at BA should help improve inconsistent crew service.’
British Airways’ Chief customer officer Calum Laming said: “We are incredibly proud to launch the next era of First that pushes the boundaries of comfort, luxury and modernity, taking customer preferences and expectations into account down to the smallest detail. detail”.
The new cabin is expected to take to the skies in mid-2026. It may also appear on the new Boeing 777X.
Watch this space.
BA said: “The seat has been beautifully designed by expert designers and world-class manufacturers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland.”