Yesterday, Air France unveiled new features for the cabins of twelve of its Boeing 777-300ERs. France’s largest airline unveiled the look of the new Business Class seats for long-haul flights. It also announced new features for the fleet’s Premium Economy and Economy services.
The cabins will be progressively renewed starting in September 2022. Each of the twelve aircraft will have a 48-seat configuration in Business Class, 48 seats in Premium Economy and 273 seats in Economy. The cabins will be decorated in navy blue, white and red, the brand’s traditional colors.
New Business seats
The new design is based on the “3F” concept: Full Flat (each unit transforms into a bed almost two meters long), Full Access (all passengers have direct access to the aisle) and Full Privacy (optimum privacy guaranteed). Through the use of sliding panels, each seat can be converted into a totally private space.
Each seat features a 17.3-inch 4K screen and headphones that reduce outside noise, Bluetooth connection and electric sockets for charging personal devices. The first aircraft equipped with the new seats, named “Fontainebleau”, will fly between Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and New York (JFK) next fall.
Premium Economy and Economy
On the intermediate service between the first and economy classes, Air France will install the seat model currently available on the fleet’s Airbus A350s. The units are wider, offer 96 centimeters of legroom and recline up to 124 degrees. They also feature USB A and C ports.
The revamped economy cabins will feature seats with a 43-centimeter seat back, recline up to 119 degrees and 79 centimeters of legroom. The ergonomically designed backrest offers reinforced lateral support. It is also equipped with USB A ports.
The seats in both cabins will be equipped with a 13.3-inch 4K definition screen and Bluetooth connectivity.
Sustainable approach
According to the company, the renewed onboard service on flights departing from Paris will be focused on sustainability. Until the end of the year, Air France has committed to offering “French-sourced meat, dairy products and eggs”, as well as “fish from sustainable fisheries” and “the systematic choice of a vegetarian dish and meals entirely prepared in France”. The service will also include menus for children and babies “made with entirely organic ingredients”.
In addition, the company will introduce the option of pre-selecting dishes in Business Class to increase the efficiency of the ratio of products shipped to those consumed.
Air France pledged to “recycle and eliminate 90% of single-use plastic items on board” by early 2023. The airline is already working in this direction, starting with the implementation of alternative materials.
See also: Air France introduces new eco-friendly comfort kits for its long-haul flights
