Air France unveils new 'La Première' first class experience
Air France has overhauled its La Première first cabin experience, with suites of some 3.5 square metres in size that feature a massive five windows each.
The new cabin design, which took three years to develop, will be gradually introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with the first flights featuring the new experience scheduled for spring 2025. Initially, the service will operate on routes between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York-JFK, before expanding to Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda during the summer 2025 season.
Each Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will house just four of these exclusive suites, located at the front of the aircraft for maximum privacy. The redesigned suites provide 25% more space compared to the airline's current first-class offering.Benjamin Smith, president of Air France and CEO of Air France-KLM Group, describes the new cabin as "the highest expression of travel" and a crucial component of the airline's strategic vision.
"The launch of our new La Première experience is a major step in our strategic roadmap," Smith says. "We continue to invest in state-of-the-art products for our customers at every step of their journey, with the aim of positioning Air France at the highest level worldwide. With a new private ground experience at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and a completely redesigned, larger-than-ever La Première suite onboard, this new experience truly is the highest expression of travel."The suite's innovative design, created by STELIA Aerospace in collaboration with Design Investment studio and SGK Brandimage agency, features a unique layout with both a seat and a chaise longue that transform into a full bed. The seat can be adjusted for different flight phases – takeoff, landing, dining, or relaxation – and includes an embossed leather headrest adorned with Air France's historic winged seahorse emblem.
For sleeping, the chaise longue extends to create a fully flat bed measuring two metres long and 75 centimetres wide, complete with cosy blankets and large cushions. Each suite is enclosed by a floor-to-ceiling curtain for complete privacy, while the side suites boast five windows—a feature exclusive to Air France. Centre suites include a full-height electric partition that can be activated at the touch of a button, allowing couples to either share their experience or maintain privacy.
The cabin's aesthetic features a sophisticated grey colour palette with leather-trimmed finishes and exclusive fabrics. Red accents reminiscent of haute couture add distinctive character, while champagne-coloured metallic details highlight key elements throughout the space. Dark carpeting creates a sense of airiness and suspension.
In place of traditional overhead compartments, the new design incorporates floor-level storage, including a large sliding drawer that accommodates up to two carry-on suitcases and a second drawer under the chaise longue for footwear. A personal compartment with a backlit mirror and an individual wardrobe provide additional storage for personal belongings.
Light is a central element in the design, with the five windows allowing abundant natural illumination. Electric translucent or blackout shades offer control over the lighting environment, while two signature lamps featuring the Air France winged seahorse are available as both wall-mounted and floor-standing fixtures. Subtle ambient lighting adapts to each phase of the flight.In terms of technological offerings, each suite features two 32-inch 4K screens providing access to over 1,500 hours of entertainment. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided, and passengers can connect their personal headphones via Bluetooth. The suite includes 110V/220V electrical outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging stations, and dedicated holders for smartphones or tablets.
A wireless touchscreen tablet allows intuitive control of the suite, enabling passengers to adjust the inclination of their seat, chaise longue, or bed, as well as the lighting and window shades. The tablet also facilitates navigation through all entertainment options.
Free wifi is available throughout the journey, with Air France planning to introduce a new ultra-high-speed connectivity service across its fleet beginning in summer 2025, replacing the current offering to provide "an at-home experience in the sky." This service will be entirely free for Flying Blue and La Première customers.The first aircraft to feature the new La Première cabin has been named Épernay, a nod to the French town in the Champagne region. Currently, La Première service is available from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda and Washington.
The launch of the redesigned onboard experience follows the unveiling of an enhanced airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 2024, completing Air France's reimagining of its most exclusive offering as part of the carrier's broader strategy to position itself at the highest level of global aviation.