Air France Unveils The New La Première: A New Era of First Class Elegance
The French flag carrier has set a new standard for what is considered the world's best First Class cabin
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
After three years of meticulous design and innovation, Air France has officially introduced its highly anticipated La Première suite. Setting a new standard in luxury air travel, the completely redesigned cabin comes packed with enhanced comfort, elegant aesthetics, and cutting-edge in-flight entertainment.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
As the French flag carrier gradually rolls out this exclusive offering across its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, the airline’s commitment to delivering an elevated premium experience is clear.
And top-paying passengers are in for a treat.
An Exclusive, Personalized Experience
Air France’s La Première has always been synonymous with exclusivity. With only four suites available on select aircraft, passengers are guaranteed a personalized and intimate journey.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
The suites, each spanning nearly 3.5 square meters, offer a spacious environment that seamlessly adapts to the different phases of a flight.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Upon boarding, the airline says guests are welcomed by a dedicated crew committed to offering an unparalleled level of service. From the moment they settle into the plush leather seat, embossed with Air France’s iconic winged seahorse emblem, passengers are surrounded by luxurious details and thoughtful touches.
Modular Comfort
The hallmark of the new La Première suite is its adaptable design. A sleek ergonomic seat provides maximum comfort whether passengers are dining, relaxing, or working. An expansive sideboard and a generously sized table are perfect for enjoying meals or conducting business meetings at 30,000 feet.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the suite offers a chaise longue opposite the seat, allowing guests to stretch out with a book or watch a movie. At night, the seat transforms into a fully flat bed, measuring two meters long and 75 centimeters wide.
Complemented by soft blankets and large cushions, the bed ensures restful sleep during long-haul journeys.
Privacy and Ambiance
Privacy is paramount in La Première. Each suite is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling curtains, providing a secluded, cocoon-like atmosphere. Five large windows flood the cabin with natural light, with electric translucent and blackout shades available to customize the ambiance.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
For passengers traveling together, the central suites feature an electric sliding partition, offering the option to share the space or create separate environments.
Refined Materials
The cabin’s design incorporates premium materials crafted by STELIA Aerospace, including full-grain leather, soft wool, and luxurious French fabrics. The color palette features sophisticated shades of gray, accented by Air France’s signature red, while dark carpeting enhances the feeling of spaciousness.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Further enriching the suite’s luxurious feel are personalized storage options. With the absence of overhead bins, guests can store their belongings in a spacious sliding drawer designed for carry-on bags or beneath the chaise longue for shoes.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Additional conveniences include a backlit vanity mirror and a personal wardrobe.
Entertainment and Connectivity
Air France has ensured that in-flight entertainment in La Première is nothing short of exceptional. Each suite is equipped with two 32-inch ultra-high-definition 4K screens, offering a vast library of more than 1,500 hours of movies, TV shows, documentaries, music, and podcasts. Notably, the curated selection includes a rich variety of French cinema, with award-winning films from the Cannes Film Festival.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
For audiophiles, the airline provides premium Denon noise-reducing headphones. However, guests may also connect their personal headphones using Bluetooth. Each suite is fitted with multiple charging options, including 110V/220V outlets, USB A and USB C ports, and a wireless charging station. For added convenience, a smartphone or tablet holder allows passengers to keep their devices accessible.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
In a nod to the future of inflight connectivity, Air France plans to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi, offering a “ground-like” internet experience. La Première passengers will benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their journey.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Managing the suite’s environment is intuitive with the wireless touch-screen tablet provided at each seat. With a few taps, passengers can adjust the lighting, window shades, and seat recline. The device also offers full access to the inflight entertainment system, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
Culinary Treats
Aboard La Première, dining shall continue to be elevated to an art form. Air France has collaborated with some of France’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs to craft exclusive menus for its first-class guests. Emmanuel Renaut, Arnaud Lallement, and Anne-Sophie Pic, each holding three Michelin stars, will rotate as the featured culinary masterminds on flights departing from Paris. Embracing a sustainable and gourmet approach, they prioritize the use of regional French ingredients to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Signature offerings include delicacies such as Sturia caviar, foie gras, and fine French champagnes. Complementing the exquisite cuisine is an expertly curated wine list overseen by Air France’s head sommelier, Xavier Thuizat, crowned Meilleur Sommelier de France in 2022. Passengers can savor vintages from prestigious regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley.
Photo: C. Heitzler La Première Pastry. Courtesy of Air France
Additionally, mixologist Matthias Giroud has created a selection of bespoke cocktails designed exclusively for La Première. From timeless classics to innovative new creations, each drink enhances the inflight culinary experience.
Expanding La Première
Air France has announced plans to gradually introduce its new La Première suites on additional Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The first routes to feature the updated cabin include New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda, offering the airline’s highest paying passengers the opportunity to experience this luxurious product on key international routes.
The introduction of the redesigned La Première is certainly part of Air France’s commitment to providing the highest levels of comfort and service. As the airline continues to redefine the premium travel experience, passengers are sure to expect an unparalleled journey where elegance, refinement, and exceptional hospitality take center stage.
