LONDON — The date has been set – March 31 – for the debut of British Airways’ newly upgraded First Class cabin.

As part of a five-year, £6.5 billion investment and launching in the airline’s centenary year, the refreshed cabin will include new bedding, amenities and menus that the carrier says would not look out of place in a five-star hotel.

Out of Canada, the new-look First will be available on direct flights to London out of Toronto and Vancouver.

“Our team of designers, chefs and customer service experts have carefully thought through the details we know matter most to our customers,” said Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience. “In this, our centenary year, we’ve sought out some of the best British designers and manufacturers to work with to ensure travelling with First with British Airways is an unforgettable experience.”

First customers will enjoy new male and female loungewear designed by British fashion brand Temperley London, as well as bespoke amenity bags featuring products from ELEMIS and Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen.

Upgraded à la carte menus will focus on fresh seasonal ingredients, and be served on bone chia crockery designed exclusively for the airline by high-end British tableware designer William Edwards.

There’ll also be a new signature afternoon tea service to showcase the British tradition of high tea, as well as a complementary selection of sandwiches, pastries and scones.

As part of the changes, British Airways is also investing in new Dartington glassware; wines and champagnes will be served in sophisticated stemware, while soft drinks and spirits will be elevated by elegant cut-glass tumblers.

Other benefits include an improved turndown service, complete with new 400-thread count bedding and foam fibre mattress toppers, and 1,000 hours of programs on in-flight entertainment channels. While on the ground, First customers can enjoy the airline’s exclusive First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5, which was redesigned in 2017.

British Airways’ new First Class will start rolling out on March 31 and will be complete by April 7. In addition to the refreshed cabin, British Airways’ five-year investment will also include new aircraft, new catering, new lounges, Wi-Fi and new routes.