The author sat in a mockup of British Airways' new first-class suite.
Courtesy of British Airways
British Airways unveiled its new first-class cabin on Monday.
Business Insider was among the first to see inside the upgraded suite.
It has a sleek, modern design and a touchscreen for flight attendants.
British Airways is investing billions to transform the UK flag carrier.
After unveiling its updated short-haul interior in March, BA showed off its new first-class cabin at its London headquarters on Monday.
Set to debut on the Airbus A380 in 2026, it's an impressive upgrade from the current premium products — especially on the superjumbo jet, which has an older design.
The airline said the new first-class's modern curves and ambient light nod to Concorde, while the materials and design come from different parts of the UK.
Business Insider was among the first people to see inside the new suite. It has plenty of stowage space, a huge seat, and touchscreen controls. In the center, there's the option to remove the divider so couples or friends can sit together.
Here's what British Airways' new first class looks like.
British Airways unveiled its new first-class suite on Monday.The mockup cabins were on display at Monday's event.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
"First is a really important cabin for us, and we are, as always, committed with our incredible colleagues to making this as premium and as special as possible," said Calum Laming, BA's chief customer officer.
"And in fact, our ambition throughout this whole transformation journey is to take British Airways to the next level and to make it really special," he added.
The new exterior looked sleek with its privacy doors and mood lighting.A man pressing the privacy door's button.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The concept was first developed by Tangerine Design Consultancy, a London-based firm that has worked with Apple and Toyota and was where Apple legend Jony Ive started his career.
It was brought to life with the help of Collins Aerospace.
There's also a touchscreen control panel that makes flight attendants' jobs simpler.Every suite has a touchscreen on the outside.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The panel's options could let a flight attendant adjust the seating position without having to reach into the suite.
There are also mood lighting options including Relax, Dine, and Cinema.
And a closet with an eye-catching red interior.The closet is the first of several spaces to feature the eye-catching red.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The color red features as a tasteful splash of brightness in details throughout the suite.
A carry-on can be wheeled into the bottom of the closet, while the top has space for pajamas.
The inside was even more impressive and modern.The seat can lie flat to 6 feet 7 inches.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches and can lie flat with a bed length of 6 feet 7 inches.
British Airways describes the 60-inch curved wall as providing a "cocooned" space that improves privacy while still feeling spacious. The airline also said soft paneling inside the seat helps absorb sound.
There's enough space for two, with a movable ottoman that can work as a second seat.A first-person view from the suite.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Note the seatbelt on top, while there's some more storage space underneath too.
Also, that TV is 32 inches and has 4K resolution.
The leather for the ottoman, seat surround, cupboard interiors, and headrest comes from Muirhead in Scotland. It's the same type of luxury leather that featured on Concorde and the Orient Express.
Couples can find more benefits in the center suites.A rendered image of two center suites.
Courtesy of British Airways
The dividers can be fully opened to create a shared space for dining or a feeling like a double bed when sleeping.
It's a similar feature to Qatar Airways' QSuite, which was named the world's best business class at this year's Skytrax awards.
The console has several seat control buttons and a wireless charging port.The console in British Airways' new first-class suite.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
There are more charging options and a control panel next to the seat.The control tablet can be taken out of its holder and used as a remote.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
It features an international charging port, plus USB-A and USB-C outlets.
The wireless control tablet includes a do-not-disturb option to notify the crew if you want to sleep or enjoy privacy the whole journey.
Underneath, there's some more stowage space.The suite features plenty of stowage areas.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
It's a good size for a handbag or purse, while another drawer opens up beneath the seat-control buttons — with the same red interior.
British Airways said the red leather with cream stitching is supposed to reflect a bespoke Savile Row suit.
Above that, there are two cupboards with amenities and a minibar.First-class passengers can find water and snacks in the cupboard.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
It appeared elegant, with the left cupboard swinging open while the right one had a sliding door.
By the windows, there was a device holder too.The window buttons and device holder.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
It means passengers can prop up their phone or tablet in flight.
As well as the lamp near the TV, there's a reading light over the passenger's shoulder.The reading light.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
British Airways' new first-class is set to launch on its Airbus A380 jets in 2026.A British Airways Airbus A380.
JoanValls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images
British Airways has 12 Airbus A380s, making it the third-largest operator of the type.
The new first-class cabin is set to have 12 seats instead of 14. But with the same number of flight attendants, customers should be able to enjoy more attention.
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