British Airways A380: 106 business seats, new first class

The Points Guy reports British Airways has finally shared the full plan for its Airbus A380 makeover, and it touches every cabin.

The cabins

The retrofitted A380 will have 106 business-class seats, which British Airways says will be the largest business-class cabin in the world. British Airways described the new Club World seats as 'an evolution' of its Club Suite, with added storage, improved functionality and 'carefully considered features' based on customer feedback. The seats are arranged in four distinct mini-cabins across the upper deck, with dedicated 'dwell areas' near galleys.

First class sits at the front of the lower deck. It has 12 seats in a 1-2-1 layout across three rows, wider than today's first-class seats, plus an ottoman and stowable table. Each suite includes a 32-inch 4K entertainment screen and a small minibar with snacks and water. Center-seat passengers can open the divider to create a shared lounge and enjoy 'buddy dining' at the stowable tables.

The new first class is designed to evoke a 'modern luxury hotel feel,' British Airways said.

Brand-new premium economy seats add privacy wings, larger seatback screens and upgraded bedding. The reusable amenity kits include moisturizer, a dental kit and an eye mask. In economy, wider seats keep the 3-4-3 layout, and passengers get larger seatback screens plus improved pillows and blankets.

Heathrow changes

At Heathrow Terminal 5, the airline plans a new lounge at the C gates by the end of 2028. British Airways says the project is among its biggest and most ambitious, with panoramic windows facing the airfield, a 17-meter bar, showers and relaxation areas, plus a Concorde lounge for first-class passengers. The arrivals lounge will be redesigned with a coffee bar and deli, larger dining areas, dedicated work booths and 59 shower rooms, including premium shower suites. First-class passengers get a Concorde Arrivals experience with private cabanas and elegant dining areas. A new first-class check-in area is planned for Terminal 3 with American Airlines.

Construction is already underway at Boston Logan and Newark, with projects at San Francisco and Geneva set to begin next year.

Timing

British Airways says new first-class amenity kits, with Wildsmith skincare and a 'Circadian Rhythm collection,' arrive Oct. 6. The airline also introduced a redesigned 'From the Grill' dining concept and a First Service Specialist training program for flight attendants.

British Airways said the new seats will enter service 'in the coming months.' The Points Guy notes it remains unclear whether they will fly before the end of this year, despite an earlier British Airways suggestion.

• Airbus A380
• British Airways
• Club Suite
• First Class
• London Heathrow
• Premium Economy