Air France has secured the title of the world’s best first class airline at the recent Skytrax World Airline Awards. The French carrier defeated Singapore Airlines, which had held the top spot for nearly a decade, to claim the prestigious honor. The win follows the rollout of its refreshed La Premiere suite in 2025, a product developed over three years to enhance passenger comfort and privacy.
Skytrax Awards Results and Rankings
The awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the aviation industry, were presented in London on September 18. The results were based on a survey of approximately 24.8 million customers from more than 100 countries. While Singapore Airlines was voted the overall World’s Best Airline, Air France took the lead in the first class category. Qatar Airways placed second overall, followed by Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Air France’s victory was driven by high scores in specific segments. The airline ranked first in lounge dining and amenities. It also placed third in first class lounges and physical seats, and second in onboard catering. The La Premiere lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) was particularly praised for its dining options, which feature a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. Passengers can also book spa treatments, use private suites, and access enclosed work areas.
La Premiere Suite Design and Amenities
The new La Premiere product is available on a select number of Air France Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Each cabin features four suites arranged in a single row at the front of the plane. Passengers have access to nearly 37.7 square feet of personal space, a 25% increase over the previous configuration. The suite includes a seat that adjusts for various positions and a separate chaise lounge that converts into a bed measuring approximately six feet seven inches long.
Privacy is a key feature of the new design. A floor-to-ceiling curtain can be drawn across the suite, and the end suites offer five windows, a feature exclusive to Air France. Middle suites share an electric sliding partition for traveling companions. Onboard, passengers receive an amenity kit in a leather gift box, containing products from cosmetics brand Sisley, along with a pen, comb, earplugs, and a night mask. Dining mirrors the lounge experience, with menus created by leading figures in contemporary French cuisine and wines selected by the airline’s sommelier.
Fleet Availability and Future Expansion
Despite the award, the new first class product is not yet available on all Air France long-haul flights. As of this summer, the La Premiere suites were installed on aircraft covering 13 routes from Paris CDG, including seven destinations in the United States. The airline has earmarked 19 aircraft for the new suites, but its total fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs consists of 43 planes. This means passengers must carefully check their specific flight to ensure they will experience the new cabin.
Air France is currently retrofitting its 777-300ER fleet to expand the availability of La Premiere. The airline has also won the title of Best Airline in Western Europe for the sixth consecutive year. The shift in first class dominance marks the first time in eight years that a new carrier has taken the top spot, signaling a significant change in the luxury travel landscape.
Source: Simple Flying
