Air France has unveiled its new premium economy and economy class seats that will be appearing on board its 15 Airbus A330 aircraft from January next year, ahead of their deployment on the carrier’s long-haul routes.
Along with the seat products themselves, Air France is also giving its A330s a new cabin design as well as enhancing its service offerings to travellers in the two classes.
So what can passengers expect to find in Air France’s new cabins?
Premium economy
In terms of actual seat product, the premium economy cabin offers fixed-shell seats with a 130-degree recline, 19 inches (48.3cm) of width and 40 inches (102cm) of pitch (legroom) between rows. Seats are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Leather armrests have been widened to provide additional space, while the seats offer softer cushions and lumbar support, additional storage space and a wider footrest than previous designs.
A 13.3-inch HD screen along with a power outlet and two USB ports are also available in each seat.
From a service standpoint, passengers receive a red feather pillow, deep blue blanket and an amenity kit, the design of which Air France will rotate every six months.
The premium economy in-flight menu, meanwhile, has been inspired by the airline’s business class menu and features starters and desserts.
Economy
Seats in the economy class cabin – laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration – have also been given a bit more space, though are still snug with a width of 17.3 inches (44cm), 31 inches (79cm) of pitch and a recline of 118 degrees. Reinforced ergonomic foam has been used to cushion the seats, which also feature a deep blue fabric adorning the cushions and headrest.
Passengers will also have access to a wider 11.7-inch touch screen monitor and a larger tray table, along with a power outlet and a single USB port.
When it comes to accessories, passengers will receive a bright red blanket…
…as well as collectible night masks inspired by destinations to which Air France flies.
The menu, meanwhile, will comprise a complete French-style meal including a starter, main course, and cheese and dessert.
In-flight wifi is available to passengers in all cabins.
There are a few additional service options that will be available to all passengers, notably a complimentary glass of champagne that will be served in new glassware…
…as well as a welcome oshibori hand towel.
Along with the wine glasses, Air France has also revamped its tableware with a new powder-coloured design set against a black background and served on a black tray.
For flights lasting longer than eight and a half hours, passengers can grab themselves a self-serve “My Little Gourmandises” snack, while on flights lasting between eight and a half and 10 and a half hours, passengers are given a “Bon Appetit” breakfast snack bag. A French-style sweet is also offered on arrival.
Speaking about the new cabins, Anne Rigail, Air France’s executive vice president, customer, said: “Today we are celebrating the arrival of our new products and services in our Economy and Premium Economy long-haul cabins, for an even more comfortable and relaxing travel experience.
“With a further investment of 150 million euros in the cabins of our A330s, this is a major step in our overall strategy to move upmarket, a strategy that has been underway since 2014 and which will result in our 15 Airbus A330s being equipped as from 2019.”
Travellers wishing to check out the new cabins ahead of their launch next year can do so from September 26 to October 3, during which time the new products will be on display on the ground floor at the BHV Marais store in Paris.
