Air France has elevated the standard of premium air travel with its La Première Suite, a meticulously crafted haven for discerning travelers. During our exclusive preview, we engaged with Catherine Betsch, Vice President of La Première, to gain insights into the inspiration and meticulous planning that shaped this flagship product over the past four years.
Collaborating with acclaimed design houses Priestmangoode and Brandiage, Air France partnered with B/E Aerospace to bring these suites to life. Each suite extends 2.3 meters in width and encompasses an expansive three square meters of personal space, offering unmatched comfort and privacy.
In pursuit of exclusivity, Air France has reduced the number of La Première Suites per aircraft. The Boeing 777-300 now features just four suites in a single row, replacing the previous configuration of eight. This ensures a more private and bespoke in-flight experience for each guest.
The La Première Suite: A New Benchmark
The interiors showcase a palette of soft neutrals—light grey and frosted blue—accented by Air France’s signature crimson. The refined hues create a tranquil, sophisticated ambiance, with the vibrant red providing a distinctive visual cue throughout the suite.
Betsch shared that their vision was influenced by the world’s most elegant hotels, with design choices echoing the timeless French aesthetic that anchors the airline’s ‘France is in the air’ campaign.
Subtle Elegance: Light Grey and Frosted Blue
Cabin walls and seat elements are upholstered in supple leather, mirrored on the armrests and headrest, while the seat itself is finished in a bespoke tweed fabric.
An artfully designed reading lamp sits beside the seat, enhancing the cozy, intimate atmosphere. Guests also enjoy a plush red blanket for added comfort.
Signature Lamp: A Tranquil Touch
Positioned in front of the seat is an ottoman, which doubles as a guest seat for companion dining or serves as a spacious footrest. Beneath the ottoman, a discreet drawer allows for convenient shoe storage—a thoughtful detail carried over from previous La Première designs.
Ottoman and Blanket: Thoughtful Details
Magazines, HD-TV and entertainment
At your side, a dedicated shelf offers space for magazines and newspapers, while an integrated compartment keeps personal items within easy reach for a seamless travel experience.
Magazine and Newspaper Storage
Each suite boasts a generous 24-inch high-definition touchscreen, positioned perfectly for immersive viewing. While the screen is set at a distance for optimal comfort, its intuitive touch interface allows guests to browse entertainment options with ease.
Air France’s advanced Panasonic entertainment system delivers over 1,000 hours of curated content in 12 languages, with a user interface designed for effortless navigation and visual elegance.
First Class 24-inch HD Screens
The suite’s interactive remote—identical to the latest business class device—resembles a modern smartphone, displaying key menu functions on its screen. Passengers can choose between tactile buttons or direct touch for personalized control.
Innovative Remote Control
Housed discreetly in a side panel, the remote sits alongside universal power outlets, a USB port, and a dedicated holder for active noise-cancelling headphones.
For seat adjustments, two control panels are provided: quick-access keys for preset positions and a more detailed set of options beneath the hatch for personalized comfort. Both panels are conveniently located for intuitive use, as shown in the image below.
Seat Controls, Power, and Remote Storage
Fully-flat with unique curtains that shield
Transforming into a sanctuary for rest, the La Première seat reclines to a completely flat, over-two-meter-long bed. When the armrests are lowered, the width expands to a generous 77 centimeters, ensuring ample space to stretch out. The bedding—mattress, pillow, and duvet—draws on the renowned Sofitel ‘My Bed’ standard for unrivaled comfort at altitude.
Exclusive Suite Curtains
For complete discretion, thick privacy curtains encircle each suite, providing a cocoon-like environment for restful sleep or uninterrupted work. During the flight, these curtains remain elegantly secured to the walls, but at bedtime, they transform the space into a private enclave—a concept pioneered by Air France and now a hallmark of their first class experience.
Betsch explained that frequent flyers requested both an open, airy layout and the option for total privacy. The innovative curtain design delivers both, balancing freedom and seclusion. Achieving regulatory approval for this unique feature was a lengthy process, but the result is a truly distinctive offering in the world of luxury travel.
How the Curtains Work: Schematic
During our hands-on review, the demonstration seat’s full recline function was unavailable. However, we experienced the privacy curtains firsthand and found the ambiance peaceful and inviting—never claustrophobic. The curtains close with Velcro at the center, ensuring ease of use.
We also asked Betsch about the possibility of a separate bed beside the seat, as seen in Lufthansa’s first class on select aircraft. She shared her admiration for Lufthansa’s innovation, but noted that Air France prioritizes both lasting durability and comfort for all body types, making the integrated bed their preferred solution.
Spacious Wardrobe Solutions
Each suite includes two wardrobes: a generous compartment up front for larger carry-ons and a smaller closet behind the seat for hanging garments during rest.
Automated window shades are standard in La Première. Guests can select between a semi-shaded mode to filter sunlight while preserving natural light, or a fully opaque setting for complete darkness. This feature, adopted by only a select few leading airlines, enhances the restful environment for long-haul journeys.
New chinaware, new amenity kit and new uniform for the staff
This year, Air France unveiled a new collection of fine chinaware in La Première, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud. The set comprises 40 unique pieces, each selected to enhance the elegance of the in-flight dining experience.
La Première Tableware Collection
A notable enhancement is the reintroduction of traditional wine and champagne glasses, distinguishing first class from business class service. While some guests preferred the wider, aroma-enhancing glasses formerly shared with business class, demand for classic stemware prevailed. Betsch noted that this decision was made after extensive consultation with frequent travelers and industry experts.
Refined Wine and Champagne Glasses
The updated dining program features caviar on all Paris departures, complemented by signature dishes from acclaimed French chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic, Guy Martin, Michel Roth, and Régis Marcon. Desserts continue to be crafted by the iconic Lenôtre patisserie, ensuring a consistently exquisite culinary journey.
The dining table is neatly stored in a panel slot, offering ample space for a multi-course meal without encroaching on personal comfort.
Guests are also presented with a redesigned amenity kit, curated by Givenchy and filled with luxury skincare essentials and travel accessories.
Givenchy Amenity Kit
La Première pajamas, now in a sophisticated blue, continue to be a guest favorite, providing comfort and style throughout the journey.
Signature La Première Sleepwear
Cabin crew serving La Première have also embraced an updated uniform. The core design remains timeless: deep blue attire year-round, with lighter blue options for female crew during summer. Signature accessories—scarlet scarves or ties and a distinctive red badge—distinguish staff dedicated to the La Première cabin.
Distinctive La Première Staff Accessories
Schedule and Cost
La Première Suites have been progressively introduced across 19 Boeing 777 aircraft, with the inaugural route linking Paris, Singapore, and Jakarta. This strategic rollout underscores Air France’s commitment to delivering its flagship product on key long-haul routes.
While airlines typically avoid disclosing financial specifics, Bruno Matheu, Chief Officer of Long-Haul Passenger Activity, shared that the project investment for 76 La Première Suites approached €50 million. This equates to approximately €650,000 (around £515,000) per suite—a reflection of the bespoke design and development process required for such a pioneering product.
Betsch emphasized that the four-year development phase was essential to achieve the seamless integration of luxury, function, and regulatory compliance that defines La Première. Every detail, from safety certifications to aesthetic harmony, was carefully engineered to create Air France’s most prestigious offering.
Another first class suite on its way
Currently, the Boeing 777-300 fleet is leading the way with the new La Première Suites, with 19 aircraft now fully equipped. Air France is also evaluating upgrades for its Airbus A380 fleet, which continues to serve select long-haul routes. Betsch indicated that while a final decision is pending, it is likely the A380 will receive a new, distinct suite design in the future, reflecting the latest trends in ultra-luxury air travel. Upgrades to the A380 are anticipated as part of the next phase of the airline’s fleet renewal program.
What BusinessClass thinks?
La Première stands out as one of the world’s most refined first class products, combining minimalist French design, a soothing color palette, and exceptional attention to detail. The high-resolution entertainment system and thoughtful suite features elevate the journey to new heights.
Seating preferences are, of course, personal. We appreciate the open suite concept, which allows engagement with the cabin environment while also providing true privacy for sleep thanks to the innovative curtain system. This duality makes La Première a compelling choice for travelers who value both social interaction and exclusive retreat.