Air France has raised the curtain on a reimagined La Première first-class cabin, a rarefied flying experience designed for the world’s most discerning travelers. With only four suites per aircraft, a design steeped in French artistry, and culinary partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs, the airline has set out to redefine what ultra-premium travel means in the modern era.
The unveiling of La Première is more than just a cabin refresh. It is a statement of intent by France’s flag carrier—showing its determination to hold a leadership position in the fiercely competitive premium travel market.
An Exclusive Haven Above the Clouds
La Première is designed to be one of the rarest experiences in commercial aviation. Each Boeing 777-300ER is equipped with cabin features just four suites, each measuring 3.5 square meters. The design blends cocoon-like privacy with flexible options: a sliding partition between the central suites allows couples or colleagues to travel together while maintaining the ability to retreat into seclusion.
Muted grey tones, full-grain leather, and fine French textiles set the stage for understated sophistication, accented by Air France’s signature red. Large windows with touch-controlled electronic shades enhance the atmosphere, flooding the space with natural light or creating complete calm at a button’s press.
Comfort Reimagined: More Than a Seat
Passengers don’t just sit in La Première—they live in it. The suite transforms into a fully flat two-metre bed, complete with luxurious bedding, soft blankets, and large cushions. A separate chaise longue provides a second seating option, ideal for reading, reclining, or enjoying in-flight entertainment.
Storage solutions, including a personal wardrobe and a backlit vanity mirror, add to the sense of a private residence at altitude. These details transform the suite from a seat into an experience—an environment tailored to every stage of the journey.
French Gastronomy at 35,000 Feet
Dining in La Première is closer to a Michelin-starred restaurant than a traditional in-flight meal. Air France has entrusted its menus to renowned chefs Anne-Sophie Pic, Emmanuel Renaut, and Arnaud Lallement, who present delicacies such as foie gras, Sturia caviar, and fine French seafood.
Each dish is paired with wines and champagnes hand-selected by sommelier Xavier Thuizat, while cocktails curated by mixologist Matthias Giroud bring a contemporary twist to French tradition. The result is not simply a meal, but a curated gastronomic journey.
Technology Meets Elegance
Luxury today also means seamless connectivity. Each suite is equipped with dual 32-inch 4K screens offering more than 1,500 hours of entertainment, Denon noise-canceling headphones, and Bluetooth pairing for personal devices.
A wireless tablet allows passengers to control every detail of their environment—from seat adjustments to lighting and shades—while extensive charging options, including wireless charging pads, keep devices powered. Looking ahead, Air France plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, providing ultra-fast, complimentary broadband in the air.
A Cultural Story, Not Just a Seat
Air France has framed La Première as more than a premium product: it is a cultural expression of France itself. To showcase the artistry behind its creation, the airline partnered with Terminal 9 Studios to produce Inside the Dream: La Première Air France, a documentary that chronicles the chefs, designers, and artisans who shaped the project.
The film, which premiered on Canal+ and will be shown onboard from October, positions La Première as a celebration of French craftsmanship, design, and refinement—values the airline hopes will resonate with international travelers seeking authenticity as well as luxury.
Strategy Behind the Luxury
From an industry perspective, Air France’s investment in La Première highlights the ongoing importance of ultra-premium cabins in airline strategy. As global carriers compete for high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders, exclusivity and cultural identity are increasingly used as differentiators.
With just four suites per aircraft, Air France’s La Première is not designed for scale—it is designed for prestige. By offering one of the rarest first-class products in the world, the airline cements its reputation among a clientele who demand not just comfort, but distinction.
Luxury Lifestyle Meets Aviation Ambition
For travelers, La Première represents the ultimate indulgence: a private retreat in the sky, where every detail—from leather finishes to Michelin-crafted meals—has been carefully considered. For Air France, it is a strategic investment in brand identity and market positioning, ensuring that when the conversation turns to the world’s finest first-class experiences, its name is at the very top.
At 35,000 feet, La Première is more than a seat. It is a stage where French culture, gastronomy, and design come together—making every journey an event, and every moment a celebration of luxury.
