First in the sky

British Airways’ new look cabin for First class passengers is unveiled today.

The £20 million investment is the culmination of the airline’s biggest yet programme of service and product improvements. This has already seen a whole range of improvements to Club World, Club Europe, World Traveller and the launch of the new World Traveller Plus cabin.

Designed by Kelly Hoppen, one of Britain’s most influential style gurus, the new First cabin offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy at 35,000 ft.

Kelly designed the First cabin to emulate the style and quality of the interior of a Rolls-Royce car using only the best fabrics and textures - Connolly leather, burr walnut wood effect, cashmere-style and velvet fabrics in a colour palette of deep blue, rich red and camel.

A selection of black and white photographs from the Hulton Getty Gallery are to be hung on the cabin walls with Bruce Rae prints in the bathrooms.

At the heart of British Airways First cabin are individual private compartments for each passenger featuring the unique seat that converts to a fully flat 6ft 6ins bed. Improvements have been made to the cushioning for enhanced comfort and a new lightweight duvet and larger pillow will help passengers get an even better nights sleep.

Six of the world’s top chefs including Shaun Hill and Richard Corrigan are now working with British Airways to provide top quality fresh food and innovative dishes in the air. Nobu chef Mark Edwards will be designing dishes for First passengers at the beginning of next year which will be served on an exclusive new range of Wedgewood white bone china that includes for the first time a full sized dinner plate.

Renowned cook and food writer Frances Bissell has also joined with the airline to re-introduce High Tea and Afternoon Tea featuring classic dishes like toad-in-the hole and sticky whisky cake, mouth watering new sandwiches, treacle tart and eccles cakes.

Handbag designer Anya Hindmarch has re-designed her in-flight amenity kit that includes aromatherapy based products such as Sleep Enhancer created by Anastasia Alexander founder of the Aroma Therapeutics range of beauty products. Anastasia is also developing a dedicated fragrance for the First bathrooms which may be introduced in spring next year.

Martin George, British Airways Director of Marketing said: "Our new First product offers the very best in luxury and privacy for our premium passengers. Its rollout marks the completion of the most extensive programme yet of new products throughout the fleet for every single customer who flies with us."

Kelly Hoppen said: "My aim was to create a luxurious ‘home away from home’ with all the style and comfort that is a part of our everyday lives. Walking into a space that has the familiar feeling of home immediately puts one at ease. I believe that the home is one’s sanctuary - a place to reflect, think and relax. Where else is this more relevant than on board an aircraft."