" This makes We've been working for five years on upgrading the entire Air France offer. to position ourselves on a very high quality product that reflects the French art of living. An investment of one billion euros" explains in the preamble Ben SmithChief Executive Officer of Air France-KLM, before lifting the veil on the new Première of the company.
In a way, this completes the overhaul of the Air France product launched a few years ago. The company presented its new business class product on intercontinental routes in 2023. Last year, it launched its new headquarters and its offer in Premium (the former Premium Economy) and the new ground courses for first-class passengers in Paris.
Four suites and five portholes
In a way, this is the culmination of a major drive to renew on-board products with a 'new look' Première.
Four suites of almost 3.5 m2, or 25% more space than the previous version. The space is bathed in light thanks to five personal windows. A unique concept in the airline industry. " It's a real move upmarket, the fruit of consultation with our passengers to create the product that best meets their expectations." says Fabien Pelous, Head of Customer Experience at Air France.
The Première suites are presented in white and pearl grey tones. The accessories add a touch of colour-the famous Air France red for the blanket or the toiletry bag by Sysley.
The cabin exudes elegance with its two lampshade-style lamps adorned with the seahorse symbol of the company. Hand luggage takes refuge in a discreet floor storage drawer. The absence of luggage compartments means that the ceiling height is unprecedented. There is also a wardrobe for storing clothes.
French design in the spotlight
In this three-metre-long space, an armchair and a chaise longue face each other, separated by a retractable table. The chaise longue becomes a two-metre bed which the ship's staff prepare for bedtime. Mattress topper, quilt and duvet have been created by French bedding manufacturer Dumas Paris. Jacquemus pyjamas await each passenger. A thick mesh curtain or a full-height electrical partition for the two central suites then offer all the privacy required.
" We have promoted French know-how from seating to accessories. It's a tribute to French creativity and its sense of luxury." underlines Anne Rigail, Chief Executive Officer of Air France.
Technology, two 32-inch (81 cm) 4K screens to view 1,500 hours of entertainment programmes. Both from the seat and from the chaise longue. Using a removable touch-sensitive tablet, passengers can control their entire suite: lighting, calling the cabin crew, adjusting the light filters on the windows, tilting the seat or the meridian. The Première passengers will also benefit from free high-speed wifi. this summer.
Première in head-on competition with business jets?
Where Air France continues to make its mark is lhe gastronomic offer. The menus are composed in succession by three-star chefs. Exceptional products such as Sturia d'Aquitaine caviar and Pierre Hermé chocolates are also on the menu. A head sommelier working for the Hôtel de Crillon and a world-renowned mixologist are in charge of the wine, champagne and cocktail list.
Once again, tableware is represented by leading French manufacturers, with tableware specially designed for this event. First version 2025.
When Fabien Pelous is asked what the Première Classe clientele represents, the figure remains confidential. " Nevertheless a demand that is evolving, with passengers wishing to treat themselves to a luxury flight - even if it means saving on another segment of the trip later. And these are essentially private travellers who want to experience this exceptional product" he says.
The exorbitant increase in solidarity tax on private jets could divert their users to Air France Première ? " This is possible because our productincluding a private route from departure to embarkation is close to the performance of a private jet. We offer competitive rates for such a high-quality service with a smaller carbon footprint." says Fabien Pelous.
The first aircraft to welcome the new Première will be certain Boeing 777-300ER in the coming weeks. Air France has revealed the list of the first destinations to be equipped. The very firstère will be New York-JFK this spring. This will be followed over the summer by Los Angeles, Singapore and Tokyo-Haneda. Before introducing Première in Abidjan, Dubai, Miami, San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Washington in the longer term.
