Air France has renewed its partnership with triple Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Renaut and appointed award-winning pastry chef Claire Heitzler to transform First Class dining on select long-haul routes. Olivia Palamountain reports

Air France has announced a complete overhaul of its La Première cabin dining experience, enlisting triple Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Renaut and acclaimed pastry chef Claire Heitzler to create an exceptional French gastronomic journey above the clouds.

The airline's most exclusive cabin will showcase Renaut's expertise across all starters and main courses, marking his first comprehensive menu design for the carrier.

The new seasonal offerings, launched in December, 2024, reflect his passionate commitment to French culinary heritage, with a particular emphasis on his beloved Savoyard cuisine.

"Nature is a source of inspiration as infinite as it is fragile," Renaut explains. "My cuisine tells a story, one of simplicity, gourmet indulgence and comfort. This is what I wanted to share with Air France's La Première customers."

Renaut's menu features five innovative starters, including a sophisticated Beaufort PDO soufflé and a delicate foie gras with salsify, accompanied by a house-made blueberry and onion chutney.

The eight main courses celebrate French regional cuisine, with standout dishes including polenta with wild mushrooms, spinach and mountain cheese, and scallops quenelle with tangy cream sauce and root vegetables.

The chef has maintained his commitment to using French-sourced red and white meats and sustainably caught fish throughout the menu.

Air France has also appointed Claire Heitzler, named pastry chef of the year 2013 by the prestigious Gault & Millau guide, to oversee the dessert menu.

Heitzler's contribution includes seven signature desserts that will be introduced gradually, including a decadent triple chocolate cloud combining crunchy shortbread with creamy dark chocolate, and the innovative Castanéa, showcasing Ardèche chestnuts paired with Corsican clementines.

"For Air France, I created a selection of pastries combining gourmet delicacies, flavours and products from our French regions," says Heitzler. "It's a gourmet interlude for the company's passengers to enjoy."

The enhanced La Première dining experience will be available on select long-haul routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, serving destinations including Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Washington-DC, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda, Dubai, São Paulo and Abidjan.