STELIA Aerospace, number 2 worldwide in premium passenger seating, is honoured to have been chosen by Air France to design and manufacture its next-generation First Class cabin, ‘La Première’, unveiled on 18 March.

Already celebrated worldwide for its exceptional luxury and exclusivity, Air France’s First Class suite represents the pinnacle of premium air travel. In its quest to push the boundaries of excellence even further, the airline has once again turned to STELIA Aerospace, a long-standing partner renowned for its expertise in bespoke Premium Business and First Class seating. Sharing the same commitment to “luxe à la française”, this collaboration was a natural continuation of the two companies’ shared pursuit of elegance and refinement.

This latest collaboration further strengthens an eight-year partnership between Air France and STELIA Aerospace, exemplified in 2023 with the airline’s customised OPERA® WB Business Class seat for its A350 fleet. It also underscores STELIA Aerospace’s position as a leading provider of high-end, tailor-made cabin interiors, crafted to meet the most exacting standards of luxury and comfort.

From concept to reality, STELIA Aerospace has helped Air France deliver even greater exclusivity, space, and comfort for long-haul travellers. The two companies have worked hand in hand since 2021 on this prestigious project.

A New Benchmark in First Class Luxury

‘La Première’ introduces unprecedented, exclusive features, setting a new benchmark in
ultra-premium air travel:

• A true suite experience featuring an expansive, lounge-like atmosphere with – for the first time ever – five windows per suite.
• A seat and a chaise longue that converts to a true two-meter-long bed for ultimate comfort
• Generous storage capacity, enabling passengers to easily stow two cabin baggage items within arm’s reach.
• A state-of-the-art 360° entertainment experience, featuring a dedicated STELIA Aerospace-designed tablet and two IFE screens-one visible from the seat, the other from the bed.

“For eight years, STELIA Aerospace and Air France have been sharing a vision of elegance, refinement, and excellence – the very essence of ‘luxe à la française.’ Our collaboration on the new ‘La Première’ suite is a testament to this deep partnership and our mutual commitment to crafting an unrivalled flying experience. Air France has always been a global symbol of French luxury, and at STELIA Aerospace, we take immense pride in bringing our expertise in high-end cabin interiors to elevate that legacy even further,” said Thierry Kanengieser, VP Cabin Interiors at STELIA Aerospace.

“We are extremely proud of this 3-year partnership, during which we rose to the challenge of transforming a vision into a reality for our most demanding customers, with a level of quality that rivals that of a luxury hotel suite. Stelia joined us on a mission to take elegance and excellence to its highest level, with a state-of-the-art product, designed and made in France, as a symbol of French savoir-faire and innovation!” added Fabien Pelous, SVP Customer Experience at Air France.

A signature of Air France’s distinctive First Class experience, ‘La Première’ is also the only First Class cabin in the world to feature elegant partition drapes instead of doors, ensuring a uniquely refined and intimate atmosphere.

A Legacy of Excellence in Premium Cabin Interiors

With this latest innovation, STELIA Aerospace continues to redefine the future of First and Business Class travel, setting new benchmarks in comfort, design, and exclusivity. This collaboration with Air France once again highlights STELIA Aerospace’s expertise in crafting bespoke seating solutions, seamlessly blending luxury, innovation, and French savoir-faire.