TheDesignAir –Air France launches new La Premiere First Class product with one of the largest suites in the skies
Today, Air France launched a brand-new First Class ‘La Première’ product which is an evolution of the already impressive, world-class product flying on key routes across Air France’s network. But is the new Air France First Class product worth the hype? We take a closer look.
So on the surface, this is seen as simply the launch of a new First Class seat that will grace key aircraft in the airline’s 777 fleet, replacing the already much-loved La Première product, but beyond this simple premise lies the concept that Air France is doubling down on its premium proposition, which helps boost the halo effect across all cabin classes.
“The launch of our new La Première experience is a major step in our strategic roadmap”, said Benjamin Smith, President of Air France and CEO of Air France-KLM Group. “We continue to invest in state-of-the-art products for our customers at each 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”.
While the overall impact of the new Air France’s La Première might be seen as a boost to the airline’s position when competing against the challenging Lufthansa Group First Class proposition, does it answer the needs of a First Class passenger?
The airline has opted for one of the longest First Class seats in the sky. Not that it’s necessary it’s a key differentiator when shouting from the rooftops. So much so that Air France is touting the new seat as offering no-less-than five windows for the two window seats in the cabin.
In many of the new concepts for First Class, originating with the likes of Emirates and Singapore Airlines, there is both a seat and a bed. The new La Première takes that concept to the existing product to create a pseudo ‘version 2.0’ which elevates an already industry-leading seat.
So let’s break that down into the two parts of what makes the new suite. The forward-facing seat adjusts to different phases of the flight: take-off, landing, dining, or relaxation mode. With an embossed leather headrest featuring Air France’s historic winged seahorse emblem and plush ergonomic padding, the seat adapts to each passenger’s body for optimal comfort. A nearby console and table provide convenient space for working or dining.
Opposite the seat, the chaise longue offers the perfect place to stretch out while remaining seated, ideal for reading or watching a movie. For maximum comfort while sleeping, it extends seamlessly into a fully flat-bed measuring two meters long and 75 centimetres wide. Each suite offers a private space totalling nearly 3.5 square meters, which is approximately 25% larger compared to the current cabin.
Now from personal opinion, the flaw to both Etihad and Singapore’s First Class cabins is that the bed is a secondary element to the suite and both offer a firmer than usual comfort. The additional issue is that the seat which many now can find a perfect spot between recline and upright is now limited, so finding that ‘Suite Spot’ is that much harder. On first impressions though, the chaise longue looks padded, comfortable and the right amount of luxury.
Meanwhile, there’s still the same soft luxury touches which set Air France above the rest. Each suite is enclosed by a thick, floor-to-ceiling curtain for complete privacy and a peaceful ambiance, which we find is a graceful, more human approach to suite division. As mentioned, the side suites boast five windows, an Air France exclusive feature, while adjacent suites in the centre of the cabin allow for shared travel while also maintaining privacy thanks to a full-height, electric sliding partition that can be activated at the touch of a button.
That said, this new cabin still maintains its relatively glorious concept. The cabin, located at the front of the aircraft, offers a completely private experience. Every detail has been meticulously designed. According to the airline, only the finest materials, such as full-grain leather and plush wool, have been carefully selected for these new suites crafted in France by STELIA Aerospace. Its unique design was conceived by the company in association with the expertise of the Design Investment studio and the SGK Brandimage agency.
That said, there seems to be one major flaw in the suite design that grates on us, and that’s the dual TV screen concept. While the concept of two screens makes sense, the approach to the screens seems a little ill considered. One screen is higher than the other, and each screen is clearly behind the headline of the passenger in each of the seating arrangements, making the heat and glare of the screen as well as the position of it uncomfortable for passengers, let alone the challenging aesthetic which is increasingly important for influencers who often experience and promote this halo product.
That said, if the flaw of the position of a TV is the only major gripe, then the airline should be proud, as it’s a tiny blemish on an otherwise well-conceived product. Where TV’s might be a challenge, the design palette should be celebrated. The cabin’s design features a harmonious colour palette dominated by shades of grey, with leather-trimmed finishes and exclusive fabrics created for La Première.
We love the addition of red flourishes, “reminiscent of haute couture” according to the press release, add character and distinction. Champagne-coloured metallic accents enhance every detail, while the dark carpeting creates a sense of airiness and fluidity, giving the impression of suspension.
When it comes to technology, it’s not just the two 32-inch 4K screens offered to each passenger, there are a few additional advancements. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided, and passengers can also connect their personal headphones via Bluetooth. There are now also USB-C ports, wireless charging stations, and dedicated holders for smartphones or tablets. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey. Soon, Air France will introduce a new ultra-high-speed connectivity service across its fleet – hinting at Starlink – replacing the current offering and providing an “at-home experience in the sky” which is Starlink’s go to statement.
When it comes to storage, overhead compartments have been replaced with floor-level storage. A large sliding drawer accommodates up to two carry-on suitcases, while a second drawer under the chaise longue provides space for footwear. A personal compartment with a backlit mirror is available near the seat for personal belongings, along with an individual wardrobe.
Four suites will progressively be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The first aircraft to feature the new La Première cabin, named Épernay, will take off in a matter of weeks and fly to Air France’s most premium destination, New York-JFK from Paris CDG. Other destinations, including Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda, will be added during the summer 2025 season before rolling out to the rest of the First Class destinations including Abidjan, Dubai, Miami, San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Washington.
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