Air France rebrands "Premium Economy" to "Premium" class
 A350-48J Premium © Air France.jpg)
Air France's Premium class on an A350
Air France has changed its “Premium Economy” (launched in 2009) to go by the name of “Premium,” a move it says will further emphasize the travel experience associated with this comfortable cabin class. Premium is available throughout the Air France fleet and long-haul network.
In the Premium cabin, the latest recliner seat is available on selected 777 and A350 aircraft. The seat back generously reclines up to 124 degrees and has been widened for extra comfort. There is also 94 to 97 centimetres 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 percent of the Air France fleet will be equipped with recliner seats by the end of 2025, the press release said.
Passengers in Premium receive a comfort kit designed exclusively for this cabin, a noise-reducing audio headset, a blanket and a pillow for relaxation.
Each seat is equipped with a wide 13.3-inch 4K-quality Ultra HD anti-glare touchscreen with Bluetooth connection, allowing passengers to enjoy more than 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment, with a particular focus on French productions. Travellers can also connect their personal device directly to the screen and use it as a remote control or browse the inflight entertainment catalogue. The seat features USB ports and a Wi-Fi connection is also available.
The cabin has been redecorated, with shades of navy blue, Air France’s signature colour, and sky blue, a shade specific to this cabin class. The company’s trademark red accent adorns the seat headrests, cushions, blankets, comfort kits and meal trays.
An upgraded French dining offer is available onboard this cabin as well. Passengers receive a glass of champagne to welcome them. Each passengers also 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 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. Passengers 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 inflight catering, choosing fresh, local and seasonal produce, as well as 100 percent French meat, poultry, milk products and eggs, and fish from sustainable fisheries.
The dessert offer featuring crunchy vanilla puffs, Paris-Brest and chocolate fondant has recently been renewed to appeal to even the most demanding palates. On flights of longer than nine 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. An updated 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.
