Newer and bigger: Air France bets on First Class

Many airlines are eliminating first class. Air France is going the opposite way, renewing them and installing them on more planes.

More and more airlines say goodbye to first class – at least in part. Instead of renewing and improving them, they modernize their business class or install premium economy. Air France takes a different approach.

“We will definitely keep the first class,” said Air France boss Anne Rigail recently in an interview with aeroTELEGRAPH. And now it’s clear: your airline will completely revamp the class called La Premiere. They are working on a “completely new” product, she says. The new concept is in the design phase and will be presented in the 2023/24 winter season.

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La Premiere’s suites are said to be the longest on the market. They should allow up to three configurations, but they all increase privacy. They will have a seat, a sofa and a fully flat bed, according to Air France.

However, Air France’s first class is not only being renewed: the airline also wants to offer it more. More aircraft than before will be equipped with the new cabin. So far, La Premiere is only available on the airline’s 19 Boeing 777-300s. There are four places each.

Higher occupancy than before the pandemic

First Class is currently offered on select flights to North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East. Air France is noticing a trend. Load factors are higher today than before the pandemic, the airline said. That’s why La Premiere is now being expanded.

Air France recently announced the renewal of its Business Class on the Boeing 777. There will also be suites there in the future.