Did Air France Just Pull Off the Best-Designed First Class in the Skies?

The aviation world seems to be moving in a singular direction for First and Business class cabins: the suite format with closing doors. But Air France just pulled a design coup by releasing what aviation geeks are lauding as the ‘best designed First Class in the skies.’

Air France just launched First Class cabins sans doors—who would have thought! But what’s lacking in terms of sliding-door privacy, the French Airline has more than compensated with their on-board curation. Think Jacquemus, Pierre Hermé, and Sisley, to name a few.

Air France's New First Class Cabins

Design and Aesthetic

Let’s get down to the brass tacks. Air France calls these new cabins the First Class La Première, and it has been retrofitted on the Boeing 777-300ER on select routes. There are just four suites—one in each row— each measuring an impressive 3.5 square metre, spread across five windows. Truly expansive!

Design-wise, there’s a French chic stamped all over the La Première product. The seat and chaise lounge can be rolled out into a full bed. The French Flag Carrier’s iconic winged seahorse emblem is subtly embossed on the seat’s leather headrest. It can be customised to the different phases of the flight.

The cabin is stunning with rich nuances of grey, cream and white, with pops of the Air France red—symbolic of French haute couture—subtly placed hither and thither. The cabin is reminiscent of a stylish Parisian lounge or perhaps a magnifique private yacht anchored at St. Malo. The beauty is in the choice of materials, such as the fine wool and leather seen on the seat. There are two lamps in each suite, adorned with the winged seahorse once again.

Curation of the Bests

Understated French luxury is all in the curation. And so, the airline has partnered with French luxury brand Jacquemus for the on-board navy blue pyjama set, found in a pop-red pouch. This set is comfortably chic to dose off in, especially after indulging in a café gourmand featuring Pierre Hermé’s chocolates and pampering by Sisley's skincare products. With Dumas Paris’ cosy bed linen, it’s all about the ‘less is more’ French attitude. The best parts are the meals crafted by chefs of Michelin-star restaurants and wine list by the sommelier at Hôtel de Crillon Paris.

Other perks include two 4K screens measuring 32-inches each, wireless charging, a spacious side table, Bluetooth connectivity, electrical outlets, and charging ports.

Verdict

While the suite may not feature sliding doors like others, it does come with thick, floor-to-ceiling curtains that offer the same level of privacy. No surprise, then, that Hollywood’s celebrities at this year’s Cannes Film Festival were clamouring for seats in this new cabin on the specially deployed flights from Los Angeles to France!

Air France is calling the La Première suite ‘the highest expression of travel,’ and we seem to be in agreement. To be able to deliver an impeccably-curated First Class product, roping in the best designer names in your country, and showcasing little to no bling with visible branding is one more incentive to fly commercial in style. Très chic!