Air France is set to roll out its redesigned ‘La Première’ first class cabin by the end of the year. The new cabin – which Air France claims is the longest in the market – will be introduced on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet during the upcoming Winter season.
New La Première cabins coming by year-end
According to an update from the French flag carrier, the new first class cabin will be available on several key international routes during the Winter 2024/25 season, including:
- Abidjan (ABJ)
- Dubai (DXB)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York-JFK (JFK)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- São Paulo (GRU)
- Singapore (SIN)
- Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
- Washington (IAD)
While airlines left, right and center have been dismantling their first class cabins in favor of more business and premium economy capacity, Air France
has chosen to invest heavily in its most elite onboard product. The new cabins are touted as “the longest on the market,” with each suite featuring up to five windows, among other perks, like two TV screens and a wireless seat control tablet. Available exclusively on its 777-300ERs, the airline says the new cabins “will be rolled out on a larger number of aircraft than at present.”
Photo: Air France
Air France first announced its front cabin redesign more than two years ago. Each new La Première suite features three modular living spaces, offering passengers a separate seat, sofa and lie-flat bed, as well as a floor-to-ceiling partition for maximum privacy.
Unlike AF’s current first class cabin featuring four suites, the new cabin will offer just three suites to accommodate the added space – this is a choice other carriers have gone for too, including Emirates with a handful of its Boeing 777s and Japan Airlines’ A350 first class.
Air France is already busily introducing new cabins across its Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER fleet as part of what it calls its “premiumization” strategy. Featuring updated cabins in Business, Premium and Economy, Air France says the refresh represents the airline’s “new standard” in comfort and quality. The carrier’s regional Embraer E190 fleet is also getting new cabins with lighter seats and greater connectivity.
Enhanced airport experience
Earlier this summer, Air France introduced a brand-new check-in lobby and airport suites for La Première passengers flying out of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Featuring an exclusive lounge and adjoining private suites, La Première customers can enjoy various luxuries, such as fine wines, spa and beauty treatments, and an extensive menu.
Photo: Air France
The lounge’s new connecting suites – featuring a bedroom, living area and outdoor patio – need to be reserved beforehand, with prices starting at 800 EUR ($890). During the upcoming Winter season, Air France will fly to 169 destinations across 73 countries, including 85 long-haul destinations.