The best from British Airways news
There’s a new First class seat in town, plus Christmas charity milestones and – hurry! – your last chance to get to Lapland
01/12/2024
The new First seat is coming
As promised by British Airways’ £7bn transformation plan announced earlier this year, a shiny new First seat has been unveiled to the masses. The bespoke seat is set to roll out in mid 2026 across the retrofitted A380 superjumbo fleet, and will continue to be the only First seat by a European airline carrier available between the UK and USA.
British Airways has worked with world-class manufacturers and craftspeople from across Great Britain and Ireland to design, build and bring to life the new First seat. There’s a great attention to detail, with discreet flourishes – the red leather with cream stitching reflects a bespoke Savile Row suit – that reveal the perfect blend of British craftsmanship and character.
Designed in conjunction with London design consultancy, Tangerine, and manufactured at 12-time Crystal Cabin award-winners, Collins Aerospace in Northern Ireland, the suite features British Airways’ widest ever armchair and longest ever bed, at an oh so stretch-able 6ft 7in. New features include ‘buddy dining’, which turns your suite into a private restaurant for two, while a 10in wireless tablet controls your 32in 4k IFE screen, your choice of various lighting ‘scenes’ depending on your mood, plus your headrest, bed and more. And with 5ft walls, ultimate privacy is guaranteed. For two people travelling together, the central suites open up into one living space. Get ready to press ‘play’ on that movie together.
Support Alzheimer’s Society this festive season
With the help of Avios donations from our very own Executive Club, British Airways’ work with Alzheimer’s Society has become one of the most successful partnerships in BA Better World Community Fund history.
The partnership, which is helping to ensure an increasingly inclusive and positive travel experience for British Airways customers impacted by dementia, has seen the airline invest in a range of services and bespoke customer service dementia training for customer-facing colleagues.
British Airways and Alzheimer’s Society are also proud to announce that they are the joint lead sponsor for the Royal Albert Hall’s Christmas carol concert series this month, where each show sees a different presenter (the likes of Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell) and soloist bring much-loved carols to life. Come and sing along.
If you’re a British Airways Executive Club Member, you can choose to support Alzheimer’s Society by donating your Avios through the BA Better World Community Fund. Avios donations made until 6 January 2025 will be matched by the Executive Club. Terms apply.
Last chance for Lapland
Loving this frosty chill in the air? Then you’ll want to extend your snowy fantasy and cash in your holiday spirit in Lapland, Finland’s natural winter wonderland. From 3 December until 28 February 2025, British Airways is flying a new seasonal route from London Gatwick to Ivalo, the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Whether you’re here for the northern lights, the Arctic’s culinary treasures or an adventurous day out on a snowmobile, there is so much to see and do in Lapland. Parents can even take the kids to meet Santa Claus – an experience the family will never forget. Discover more reasons to book this magical adventure here.
Flying Start says thank you
Ever-striving to help give a brighter future to young people around the UK and beyond, Flying Start (British Airways’ partnership with Comic Relief) continues to celebrate success. Since 2010, it has raised more than £29m to provide support for more than one million people in Britain and across the world. As 2024 comes to a close, British Airways would like to thank all its customers for their continued generosity. For ideas on how to get involved with fundraising, visit Comic Relief. Or donate to Flying Start this Christmas here.
What to watch on board this December on Paramount+
The epic return of Yellowstone is here, exclusively on Paramount+. Amid the grand landscapes of Montana, the Dutton family’s fight to defend its ranch continues. The cast is stellar: Kelly Riley is lead character and fan favourite Beth Dutton, Cole Hauser plays her husband Rip Wheeler, and heartthrob Luke Grimes is Beth’s brother Kayce, the youngest son of John and Evelyn Dutton. As blood feuds and power struggles, backstabbing siblings and tests of loyalty continue in the new episodes, tune in to the hit drama that’s gripped audiences around the world.
Yellowstone seasons 1-2 are available to watch on board now on the Paramount+ channel until 31 December 2024.
