This Airline Is Set to Significantly Upgrade Some of Its Business-Class Seats

If you're traveling business class to Europe this summer, prepare for a delightful surprise with seat upgrades. Air France is gradually introducing new business-class cabins on its Boeing 777-300s, starting with the first 12 flights from New York–JFK to Paris. The airline's fleet of new Airbus A350s will also receive the upgraded cabin beginning in July, although specific routes have yet to be announced.

Take a look at Air France’s latest business-class seat designs.

Designs and Specifications of the Seats

The new business-class cabins boast 48 pod-style seats arranged in a one-two-one reverse herringbone layout. The two center seats feature a movable divider that can be adjusted for travelers wishing to see their companions.

According to the airline, the cabins are designed around three principles: full flat (the seat converts into a 180-degree, 6.5-foot-long lie-flat bed), full access (every seat provides direct aisle access), and full privacy (with sliding doors on the pods to create separation from other passengers).

Each seat is equipped with a 17.3-inch, 4K high-definition anti-glare screen, accompanied by noise-canceling headphones. Bluetooth connectivity is available for guests who prefer using their own headphones. Additional features include a fold-out table, storage cubbies, and a counter for personal items, which also serves as a wireless charging station, alongside USB-C and universal 110-volt outlets.

Window seats come with automated shades. Bulkhead seats replace the footwell with an ottoman that can accommodate a guest. When it's time to sleep, a Do Not Disturb button changes the pod's exterior light from green to red, signaling to flight attendants that you prefer not to be disturbed.

Service and Amenities

The cabin menu has been crafted by a team of over a dozen French chefs, including Michelin-starred talents like Régis Marcon (Le Clos des Cimes), Anne-Sophie Pic (Maison Pic), and Michel Roth (Hotel President Wilson). They offer a rotating selection of vegetarian, fish, and meat dishes across various flights. Options include beef fillet with port sauce and carrots, duck lasagna with blackcurrant sauce, basil ratatouille cake, salmon with vegetable fondue, and risotto with artichokes and mushrooms.

For the wine and champagne selection, Air France enlisted sommelier Paolo Basso, who curated choices like the 2021 Chablis Jean-Marc Brocard Vieilles Vignes De Sainte-Claire, the 2017 Saint-Estephe Chateau Lilian Ladouys, and Fleur De Champagne, among others to enhance the dining experience.

Regarding amenities, all business-class passengers are provided with a blanket, pillow, and a Clarin’s-branded amenity kit, which includes an eye mask, dental kit, earplugs, socks, lip balm, and lotion.

Business-class passengers can also enjoy the Air France lounge at JFK, which, as of late 2022, features a Clarin’s Spa, offering complimentary facials before flights.