In an era where luxury air travel continues to evolve, Air France has raised the bar once again with its reimagined La Première experience. Unveiled this spring, the exclusive cabin represents what might be the most sophisticated offering in the skies today, promising to transform travel into an art form for its passengers.
An Elegant Airborne Suite: Ultra-Luxury at 35,000 Feet
The crown jewel of Air France’s reinvented La Première experience is undoubtedly the suite itself. At nearly 3.5 square metres—25% larger than its predecessor—each of the four exclusive suites offers a private sanctuary that rivals the finest hotel rooms.
What truly sets these suites apart is an Air France exclusive: five windows per side suite, flooding the space with natural light. Complete with a seat and chaise longue that convert to a true two-metre-long bed, the new La Première cabin promises a unique experience enhanced by personalised service and three-star gourmet offerings.
Each suite features a fully adaptable design centered around a plush seat and chaise longue that seamlessly convert into a generous two-metre-long, 75-centimetre-wide flatbed. For complete privacy, suites are enclosed by floor-to-ceiling curtains, while centre suites include a full-height, electric sliding partition that can be activated at the touch of a button.
French Craftsmanship and Haute Design
The La Première experience is a masterclass in French elegance and craftsmanship. Developed over three years in collaboration with STELIA Aerospace, Design Investment studio, and SGK Brandimage agency, every element has been thoughtfully considered.
The suites feature only the finest materials—full-grain leather, luxurious wool, and exclusive fabrics created specifically for La Première. The colour palette revolves around sophisticated greys with distinctive red accents reminiscent of haute couture, while champagne-coloured metallic touches add subtle glamour throughout.
In a clever design move that enhances the feeling of spaciousness, traditional overhead compartments have been replaced with discreet floor-level storage. A large sliding drawer accommodates two carry-on suitcases, while a second drawer under the chaise longue provides space for footwear. There’s even a personal compartment with a backlit mirror for smaller belongings.
Bespoke Amenities
Adding to the premium experience, Air France La Première offers passengers exclusive amenity kits that reflect the cabin’s prestigious character. The elegant box design, available in the signature La Première colours of rich red and pearl grey, opens like a luxury case with a sophisticated drawer mechanism.
Inside, passengers will be treated to a carefully curated selection of premium skincare products from Sisley, including a restorative hand cream, intense moisturising anti-ageing treatment, anti-ageing day cream, and an eye and lip contour balm.
These thoughtfully selected amenities complement the overall La Première experience, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination refreshed and rejuvenated after enjoying the ultimate in-flight luxury.
Intuitive Technology for the Discerning Traveller
The technological offerings are equally impressive. Each suite boasts dual 32-inch 4K screens with over 1,500 hours of entertainment content, accessible from any position within the suite. Noise-cancelling headphones come standard, though passengers can also connect their own via Bluetooth.
Power options abound with 110V/220V electrical outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging stations, and dedicated holders for smartphones or tablets. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey, with Air France promising an upcoming ultra-high-speed connectivity service across its fleet that will provide an “at-home experience in the sky.”
Perhaps most impressive is the intuitive control system—a wireless touchscreen tablet that adjusts every aspect of the suite with a simple tap, from the position of the seat to the lighting and window shades.
A Global Rollout
The new La Première cabin will progressively appear on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft beginning this spring. The first aircraft featuring the new design, aptly named “Épernay” (after the famous champagne region), will initially serve the Paris-New York JFK route, with Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda to follow in summer 2025.
Currently, La Première is available from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to ten destinations: Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda, and Washington.
The Future of Ultra-Luxury Travel
With this bold reimagining of La Première, Air France continues its upmarket strategy. In a competitive landscape where premium carriers constantly vie for the world’s most discerning travellers, Air France has created something truly distinctive—a flying experience that celebrates French elegance, craftsmanship, and art de vivre at 35,000 feet.
For those who select this premium offering, the new La Première promises not just a journey between destinations, but perhaps the ultimate expression of travel itself.
