What’s new at British Airways this month?
End-of-year charity celebrations, the transformation of Olympia, a groundbreaking new app and a First Wing refresh. Here’s the latest news from British Airways this December
03/12/2025
The First Wing refresh
The First Wing at London Heathrow Terminal 5 has been reimagined and transformed to deliver a new era of British luxury and comfort. Following successful lounge redesigns in Miami and Dubai, British Airways continues its global lounge concept with design firm Gensler, bringing a fresh, modern look to the First Wing. From check-in to the lounge, the goal is to make your journey as intuitive and elevated as possible. As you approach check-in, you will at once notice the striking exterior, designed to feel like your private world away from the airport bustle. Relax in the expanded, banquette seating area with a refreshment station that lets customers decompress with a drink, reflecting a true lounge-style experience. Within this tranquil setting, you can enjoy seamless service and take in the rich, warm colour palette, including deep red accents, premium finishes, including British walnut wood, bespoke handmade carpet and mood lighting that adjusts by time of day. A new entrance portal at Fast Track security provides a dedicated corridor with direct access to the First lounge.
British Airways and Alzheimer’s Society colleagues outside the Royal Albert Hall
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
For the second year, British Airways is proud to sponsor the Christmas Carols at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This event highlights the airline’s shared commitment with The Royal Albert Hall Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society to support charities through travel, music, and the arts. To date, the BA Better World Community Fund has raised more than £500,000 for Alzheimer’s Society, helping British Airways colleagues provide better support as everyone works towards a more dementia-inclusive airline. With a greater understanding of dementia, colleagues can ensure that affected families can travel with more confidence to the places they love most.
Thank you for supporting the BA Better World Community Fund
The BA Better World Community Fund creates life-changing opportunities by supporting charities aligned with British Airways’ sustainability programme. As the year closes, it’s time to thank customers for their incredible support. On-board cash donations are split equally across the airline’s five principal Community Fund charity partners – Alzheimer’s Society, the DEC, British Red Cross, The King’s Trust and The Earthshot Prize – with your loose change funding everything from disaster relief to global conservation. In January, all on-board donations will switch back to Flying Start, British Airways’ long-standing partnership with Comic Relief until the end of April to support Red Nose Day. Look out for the new in-flight video on long-haul flights next month.
The Hearlo app is free to download
Hearlo: breaking down communication barriers
British Airways is pleased to introduce Hearlo, a mobile app designed to overcome communication barriers for people with speech or hearing disabilities. This free app is available on the Apple and Google Play stores in more than ten languages, including Spanish, Hindi and Arabic. Customers can communicate by either typing or selecting a Hearlo Card – intuitive pictograms designed for every touch point, from check-in to in-flight service.
The app offers comprehensive accessibility: you can customise font size, style (including dyslexia-friendly options) and text case, adjust playback speed and vibration feedback, and utilise real-time audio transcription and text-to-speech translation. Crucially, once installed and customised, the app does not require internet access, supporting individual needs throughout the journey.
It’s all change at Olympia
Founding Partnership between British Airways and Olympia
British Airways has been announced as the first Founding Partner of Olympia, as the historic 140-year-old venue is revitalised into a world-leading hub for global culture, live entertainment, innovation and creativity. In 2026, British Airways ARC – an ultra-modern music and entertainment venue operated by AEG Presents UK with a capacity of 3,800 – will open (keep your eyes peeled for the latest events and acts here). The following year will see the opening of the British Airways Theatre. Operated by Trafalgar Entertainment and The Shubert Organization, it’s the largest permanent new theatre built in London in almost 50 years.
Through this founding partnership with Olympia, members of The British Airways Club will be able to enjoy exclusive access and year-round special touches across the venues. That means access to a ringfenced allocation of tickets at every British Airways ARC show via a dedicated portal. To make their British Airways ARC visits extra special, all customers can choose from tickets offering exclusive access to the VIP lounge, the British Airways Wing, featuring a dedicated cocktail bar and, for select shows, a private balcony overlooking the stage. Whether you’re attending a concert or a world-class show, British Airways Club members will be at the centre of the action and can collect Avios as they spend at select venues across Olympia, including Incipio Group’s new destination bars and restaurants.
Beyond the entertainment, the destination will feature a new International Convention Centre, two new hotels and 30 new bars and eateries. Further showcasing British Airways’ commitment to British originality and investing in the next generation of British talent, the airline is becoming a brand partner of The BRIT School and naming partner to create The BRIT Theatre presented by British Airways, funding places for 60 students annually and supporting The BRIT Theatre refurbishment.
Clarins is on board selected flights
Elevate your journey with High Life Shop
British Airways is adding a touch of curated luxury to the skies with the newly expanded High Life Shop range, now available on long-haul flights. Discover scents to suit every style – from the crisp elegance of Jo Malone London to the bold signature of Tom Ford – alongside refined fragrances from Yves Saint Laurent and Mont Blanc.
Beauty and travel essentials also make life on the move effortless, with Clarins’ Head-to-Toe Moisturising Essentials, Benefit’s Icons Mini Set and smart tech from Reflex Active. And for a gift worth savouring, premium spirits including Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Double Black and classic gins from Gordon’s and Tanqueray are offered at exclusive duty-free prices.
For even greater ease, customers can pre-order at highlifeshop.com, enjoy savings on favourite brands and collect their gifts on board – all while collecting or spending Avios.
