Air France (AIRF.PA) revealed its latest first-class suite on Tuesday, aiming to capture the attention of affluent travellers who typically choose private jets, offering them a luxurious French experience.
Ben Smith, CEO of parent company Air France-KLM (AIR.PA), told media that the investment in enhanced pre- and post-flight services is designed to position the airline as a leader in the European luxury air travel market.
As the airline industry rebounds from the pandemic, there is ongoing debate about whether to focus on high-end first-class services or expand business class offerings, which are more lucrative.
This launch comes shortly after British Airways (ICAG.L) introduced its own upgraded first-class cabins, as both carriers target high-spending customers flying across the Atlantic, as well as affluent passengers in the Middle East and Asia.
Smith did not disclose the cost of the new first-class seats, which offer 24% more space than previous ones, but emphasized that first-class travel remains profitable for the airline.
The revamped service is designed to immerse passengers in a “taste of France” from the moment they board, enhancing the journey with French-themed elements before they even arrive in the country.
“People want to experience France from the moment they step on the plane, whether they’re boarding in San Jose, Tokyo, or Sao Paulo,” Smith explained.
A one-way first-class ticket from Paris to New York typically costs around 10,000 euros ($10,901) according to Air France’s website.
