Air France New Business Class

Hi all!

As far as I can remember Air France is planning to introduce their new business product in January 2014 and La Premier in April 2014, are they still planning to do so? Or does anyone know anything about AF upcoming business class product?

V

Hello Vertrek,

introduction to the Press people was supposed to happen indeed this month. It seems it is now delayed to February… for Press presentation.

The journalists will enjoy a private jet trip to Châteauroux “airport”. This is where the new business class seat is to be revealed.

AF is also about to announce an agreement with a private jet company, the one used for the journey in February. Now travellers will be able to buy a connection leg with this company via AF.

The refitted planes will be first the B777 (300 & 200). The real first one not before June or July this year as you may already know. A380 & A330 will follow after, not the A340.

AF has found a way with the seat’s supplier to be able during July & August to get less business class seats on the B777 and more economy seats as AF sells less business fares during the summer holiday period. All of that without removing the offices inside the plane when some business seats have to be removed once a year .
It is minus 6 rows of seats on the B777-300 and five less on the B777-200.

All of that might result in less business discounted fares (or two for the price of one) during the summer, or less seats available for redemption.

Hopefully the BT team will update us probably in the coming days or weeks.

Interesting to read about the private jet option. This is something Lufthansa has been offering though I’ve no idea how successful it is or even if it’s still offered. Will be interesting to see how it’s priced. I looked into FRA – LUG price once and it was horrendous so stuck with business to MXP and drove home!

I must say I’m delighted that Air France have chosen the Zodiac Cirrus Aero Seat for their business class cabin, it’s overdue that one of the major European airlines adopted the best seat there currently is for C.

Given that LH introduced something that as ever doesn’t quite do the job and BA are flying around with something that is so old it was probably in the ark AF have definitely raised the bar.

I’ve also had good personal experiences of CDG in the recent past and their food service is also very good.

BA & LH will have their work cut out to keep up.

You can read our full report with photos and video here:

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/100200/air-france-unveils-new-fully-flat-business-clas

AF has done a great job by selecting such seat in their J cabin. They are now on the same line of major carriers who can be called to provide the best business class seat.

I think BA should reconsider very soon their current J class seat and provide something more competitive as they are losing the edge.

it looks great, though one thing that doesn’t look nice is – the TV looks at an angle rather than straight ahead.

If only BA would catch up with the rest of the world and create a decent business product