Air France has secured the title of World's Best First Class Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony, held in London on September 18, 2026. This marks the first time the French flag carrier has won this specific award.
The airline also collected several other accolades at this year's awards, including World's Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining and World's Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities. Additionally, Air France was recognised as the Best Airline in Western Europe for the sixth consecutive year and moved from eighth to seventh place in Skytrax's overall global airline ranking.
This recognition follows the introduction of a redesigned version of its exclusive La Première cabin in spring 2025. Developed over three years, each of the four suites in the new cabin offers nearly 3.5 square metres of personal space, a 25 per cent increase from the previous design.
The suites feature an armchair and a separate chaise longue that can extend into a two-metre-long bed. Window suites span five windows, and thick floor-to-ceiling curtains provide privacy. Central suites offer an electric sliding partition for passengers travelling together.
Amenities include two 32-inch 4K screens, a wireless touchscreen tablet for controls, wireless charging, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Passengers also receive Jacquemus-designed pyjamas, Sisley skincare products, and menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs. The experience begins at Paris Charles de Gaulle with a private airport journey and access to the redesigned La Première lounge, which includes spa treatments and a menu by Alain Ducasse.
The new suites are being rolled out across Air France's Boeing 777-300ER fleet. Currently, La Première is available on routes from Paris to destinations such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, and San Francisco, with the airline aiming to equip its entire La Première network with the new cabins by the end of the year.