Air France
has rebranded its Premium Economy product as “Premium”, dropping the association with economy class for a more upmarket offering. The carrier is in the process of refreshing its premium economy cabins and most of its fleet will be fitted with new, wider recliner seats by the end of 2025.
Introducing Air France Premium
The airline has undertaken the rebranding to “highlight the singular experience it promises,” which includes perks such as Michelin-star catering, an extensive choice of French wines, and a new reclining seat that reclines up to 124 degrees.
Photo: Air France
The rebrand comes 15 years after the French carrier first introduced a premium economy product.
The Premium experience
Meals and refreshments
The onboard experience starts with a glass of champagne before takeoff. Later, passengers can enjoy a full “French-style” meal service consisting of menus curated by Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Simonin. Meals will include snacks, one starter, a choice of two hot dishes, cheese and dessert, and are made using 100% French meat, poultry, milk products and eggs.
Photo: Air France
Passengers won’t be short on drink options either with the airline’s extensive hot and cold menu, alcoholic and non-alcoholic – this includes French wines, beers and champagne, and a new list, courtesy of Air France’s new head sommelier, Xavier Thuizat, will debut in Spring 2025.
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As for after-meal sweets, Air France will continue to offer its popular crunchy vanilla puffs, Paris-Brest and chocolate fondant. Additionally, flights longer than nine hours will get a new ice cream service between meals featuring traditional Provence ice cream bars in two flavors – vanilla or milk chocolate with caramelized almonds.
Revamped seat
The widened Premium seat is on selected Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft and will be available on around 80% of Air France’s fleet by the end of 2025. It will offer 94-97 cm of legroom and an adjustable footrest, depending on the aircraft type. Its seat foam cushions have also benefited from a redesign and an added layer of herringbone pattern fabric.
Photo: Air France
Comfort kit
Premium passengers will receive a complimentary comfort kit consisting of noise-reducing headphones, a pillow and blanket. The 13.3-inch in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen offers a 4K-quality Ultra HD anti-glare touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports for charging.
Photo: Air France
Redecorated cabin
Air France has incorporated its signature Navy Blue color with a Sky Blue shade, the latter being a color unique to its Premium product, while light red touches will be felt across the cabin.
Airport priority service
Another perk of the Premium experience will be access to the airline’s SkyPriority service. This gives passengers dedicated baggage drop-off counters, fast-tracked security and immigration, as well as priority boarding and dedicated sales and transfers desks.
Photo: Air France
An evolving product
Air France launched its Premium Economy cabin in 2009, becoming one of the first European carriers to roll out the economy cabin upgrade. However, the airline now feels its product has become so good that it warrants a class of its own, so to speak.
Have your say: Is Air France Making A Mistake By Taking The “Economy” Out Of Its Premium Economy Cabin?