Johannesburg, 20 September 2024 | Launched by Air France in 2009, “Premium Economy” now goes by the name of “Premium”, further emphasising the unique travel experience associated with this spacious and comfortable cabin offering a greater sense of privacy. Designed so that customers can fully enjoy its superior standards of comfort, Premium is available throughout the Air France fleet and long-haul network.
In the Premium cabin, the latest recliner seat is available on selected Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. The seat back generously reclines up to 124 degrees* and has been widened for extra comfort. There’s also 94 to 97 cm* of legroom and an adjustable footrest. The seat foam cushions have also been redesigned and the herringbone pattern fabric adds extra softness.
Thanks to the gradual renewal of its travel cabins, almost 80% of the Air France fleet will be equipped with recliner seats by the end of 2025.
During the flight, customers benefit from a comfort kit designed exclusively for this cabin, a noise-reducing audio headset, a blanket and a pillow for guaranteed relaxation and enjoyment.
Each seat is equipped with a wide 13.3-inch 4K-quality Ultra HD anti-glare touchscreen with Bluetooth connection, allowing customers to enjoy over 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment, with a particular focus on French productions. Customers can also connect their personal device directly to the screen and use it as a remote control or browse the in-flight entertainment catalogue*. The seat features USB ports and a Wi-Fi connection is also available.
For heightened elegance, the cabin has been redecorated, with new shades of navy blue, Air France’s signature colour, and sky blue, a shade specific to this travel cabin. The company’s trademark red accent adorns the seat headrests, cushions, blankets, comfort kits and meal trays.
- depending on aircraft type.
An upgraded French dining offer on board this cabin
Once comfortably seated, our crews offer each customer a glass of champagne to welcome them on board**.
Each customer receives a full “French-style” meal service, comprising snacks, a starter, a choice of two hot dishes, cheese and dessert, served in eco-designed tableware with stainless steel cutlery.
The Premium menus are now designed by a leading French Michelin-starred chef. Since November 2023, Frédéric Simonin, holder of one Michelin star and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, has been creating two hot dishes that are regularly renewed, including a vegetarian option. Customers can choose between a delicious chicken, prune sauce, peas, red onion compote and asparagus tips, or Trofie pasta bake with porcini mushrooms and asparagus, available on departure from Paris, Pointe à Pitre, Fort de France, Cayenne and Réunion.
To prepare these menus, Frédéric Simonin worked together with Servair, the world leader in in-flight catering, choosing fresh, local and seasonal produce, as well as 100% French meat, poultry, milk products and eggs, and fish from sustainable fisheries, in line with the company’s standards.
Air France aims to continue improving its catering offer to further entice its Premium customers. The dessert offer featuring crunchy vanilla puffs, Paris-Brest and chocolate fondant has recently been renewed to appeal to even the most demanding palates. And now, on flights of over 9 hours, a new ice cream offer is available between the meals served during the flight. Available in two flavours – vanilla or milk chocolate with caramelized almonds, these ice cream bars are traditionally made in Provence in the south of France.
A large selection of hot and cold beverages, with or without alcohol, is also available during the flight. A new selection of wines and French beers is exclusively available in this cabin, in addition to champagne. Xavier Thuizat, Air France’s new head sommelier, will unveil a completely revamped French wine, champagne and spirits list for customers in spring 2025.
**depending on the flight schedule.
Priority service at the airport
Customers travelling in the Premium cabin benefit from SkyPriority, a range of streamlined and priority services at the airport. With SkyPriority, customers can check in and drop off their baggage at dedicated counters, and benefit from faster, privileged access through security checkpoints and passport control, as well as dedicated sales and transfers desks. They also enjoy priority at boarding or the option of boarding at their convenience and priority baggage delivery.