Air France plans to retrofit a dozen 777-300ER aircraft, including a new business class seat with privacy doors. The cabin retrofit is part of the carriers efforts to “move upmarket” and “offer its customers the best of France and take elegance to new heights.”
Progressively rolling out from September 2022, the retrofit aircraft will include 48 new business class suites, 48 updated premium economy seats, and 273 economy class seats. New York City’s JFK airport is the first destination.
New Air France Business Class Seats
The new Air France business class seats offer a fully flat bed and direct aisle access for all travelers. A sliding door offers a privacy option, while the center pairs can have a middle divider lowered for pairs traveling together.
The seat also features a 17.3″ HD entertainment screen and nose-reducing headset. For passengers who prefer to use their own headset Bluetooth pairing is available.
Wireless device charging is also on offer in the business class seats.
Updated, Expanded Premium Economy Cabin
The Air France 777s will also see an updated premium economy cabin on board, similar to the A350 fleet. With 48 seats, arranged 2-4-2, the cabin offers a wider seat than the prior model and 38″ pitch.
Passengers have access to 13.3″ IFE screen, noise-cancelling headset, Bluetooth headphones pairing, and both USB-A and –C power ports.
Economy Class refresh
Economy class seats will also see a refresh, with 13.3″ 4K HD screens, Bluetooth pairing and USB-A power.
The seats are pitched at 31″ and are 17″ wide, typical for the 3-4-3 layout on a 777.
Notably absent from the seating refresh description is any mention of the La Premiere first class cabin.
An Air France spokesperson confirms that the new Air France 777-300ER configuration will not have a La Premiere cabin on board.
The dozen planes slated for this refresh currently fly in a C42/W24/Y315 configuration. The C48/W48/Y273 update will see total seats on board drop by 12.
And given the angle-flat seats in 2-3-2 layout in business class on that old configuration, this should be a very welcome upgrade for most travelers.
Based on the significant increase in total seats on board – 296 to 369 – it would appear first class will no longer be available on board. It would be very difficult to fit the new layout on board otherwise. An inquiry to the airline for confirmation is pending.
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