On Friday, January 20, 2023, Air France’s new long-haul cabins will take off for the first time with service from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to New York-JFK. The Boeing 777-300ER ‘Fontainebleau’ will then serve Rio de Janeiro and Dakar in Senegal.
On Tuesday (January 17, 2023), Air France announced that their first 777-300ER ‘Fontainebleau’ will take flight with the carrier’s new long-haul cabins for the first time on Friday, January 20, 2023, with service between Paris (CDG) and New York (JFK). The aircraft will then be deployed to Rio de Janeiro from January 21st, and to Dakar in Senegal from January 22nd. The continuing refurbishment of the carrier’s 12 Boeing 777-300ERs will enable Air France to gradually offer the product on more flights to the aforementioned destinations this winter, before expanding to more network destinations later this year.
All of Air France’s long-haul Business cabins will be equipped with full lie-flat seats by the end of 2023, compared to 90 percent today. The entire fleet, excluding regional aircraft, will also be equipped with inflight Wi-Fi by the end of the year, versus 97 percent today. The new Business cabin features 48 seats which have been designed on the concept of three ‘F’s (Full Flat, Full Access and Full Privacy). A new sliding door also allows guests to create a totally private space, out of sight from other passengers. Additionally, seats located in the center of the cabin have now been equipped with a central panel that can be lowered, thereby creating a convivial space for travel partners. Each seat also features a 17.3” 4K High-Definition anti-glare monitor with a noise-reducing headset, Bluetooth connectivity, and several electric sockets.
While boarding, guests will also be greeted by a backlit winged seahorse, the symbol of Air France’s rich history. The seats feature soft padding and noble natural materials such as wool, brushed aluminum and full-grain French leather, and are also embroidered with the airline’s trademark red accent.
Air France's New Boeing 777-300ER Long-Haul Cabins - Courtesy Air France
The Premium Economy cabin also features 48 recliner-type seats which are already available on Air France’s A350s. The seats offer 96 cm of legroom, the cushions have been redesigned, and the covers feature a soft navy blue herringbone fabric for added comfort. Each seat also offers a generous 124 degree recline, and has been widened for greater privacy. Additionally, a new noise-reducing audio headset has been integrated into the seat, which also includes USB A and C ports.
Finally, the 273 Economy Class seats have been designed to meet the highest standards of comfort on the market. With a wide 43 cm seat pan, a 119 degree recline, 79 cm of legroom, and an ergonomically designed backrest, Economy Class guests will also enjoy a more upscale travel experience. Both Premium Economy and Economy cabin seats are also equipped with a wide 13.3” 4K High Definition screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and over 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment. Additionally, guests in all cabins will enjoy access to Air France Connect, the carrier’s internet connectivity offer, available in three pass levels, including a completely free pass allowing customers to send and receive messages and access flight connectivity information.
Source: Air France