Carrier recognized as world's best first class
Named best airline in Western Europe for 6th consecutive year
Air France announced Tuesday that it won six awards at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, held in London on Friday.
Often called the "Oscars of the aviation industry," the Skytrax World Airline Awards is a global airline ceremony that Skytrax, a British aviation service research firm, has organized since 1999. Winners are selected based on passenger satisfaction surveys conducted worldwide, and the awards are considered one of the most prestigious in the global aviation industry.
At this year's ceremony, Air France took home honors in three first-class categories: best first class in the world, best first class amenities in the world, and best first class in Europe.
In addition, the airline was named best airline in Western Europe for the sixth consecutive year. The La Première lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport won best first class lounge dining in the world, and Air France also received the award for best premium economy class catering in Europe.
Air France is France's full-service carrier and embodies what it calls "French luxury" — blending French elegance and sensibility throughout the customer journey. Its top-tier La Première cabin, available on select routes, offers a differentiated French luxury experience across seating, fine dining and service.
The new La Première suite, unveiled in spring 2025, is designed as a self-contained modular space spanning five windows. It features a full-flat bed of about 2 meters as well as a separate armchair that can be configured for work, dining and other uses, ensuring maximum comfort on long-haul flights.
Passengers can also enjoy in-flight amenities developed in collaboration with French skincare brand Sisley, along with in-flight meals, desserts and signature cocktails created with Michelin-starred chefs, mixologists and pastry chefs representing France.
The La Première lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport — named best first class lounge dining in the world — also reflects the brand identity of France and Air France through its design and culinary offerings.
Air France also climbed one spot in the global airline rankings, rising to seventh place from eighth last year.
"We will continue to strengthen our differentiated 'French luxury' experience throughout the customer journey, grounded in France's distinctive culinary culture, design and service philosophy," an Air France official said.
Meanwhile, Air France is expanding its global customer touchpoints through various marketing activities, including serving as the official partner of the 52nd Deauville American Film Festival for the 13th consecutive year.
Held every September in Deauville, France, the Deauville American Film Festival is one of Europe's leading celebrations of American cinema, showcasing a wide range of films from Hollywood blockbusters to independent productions.
likehyo85@heraldcorp.com
