Hello from Paris, as I’ve just started my latest review trip. I recently flew in Air France’s new Airbus A350-900 business class on a six-hour overnight flight from New York to Paris. Here are my initial impressions.
I was excited about this flight, given Air France’s recent introduction of new A350 cabins which will be installed on all future delivery A350s. I have to say, the flight was incredible. This might just be the nicest jet operated by any European airline. The A350’s general attributes, combined with Air France’s exceptional new business class seats, make this product unbeatable. The soft product was also great, especially tailored to this short overnight flight.
Air France’s A350 business class seats are in a premium configuration, with 48 business class seats. The cabin is simply gorgeous with a dark blue color scheme, patterned carpet, and Air France’s iconic winged seahorse logo in multiple places. Air France selected the STELIA Opera seat for its A350s, making it the only airline with this specific seat on a wide body aircraft.
The cabin might initially look familiar, as Air France recently started reconfiguring Boeing 777-300ERs with a new business class product, and the business class seats look very similar. However, believe it or not, that’s a totally different product, as 777s have the Safran Versa seats. The A350 business class offers spacious reverse herringbone seats with doors and a large monitor next to the seat. The footwells are also a good size.
The best seats on the A350 are the eight bulkhead business class seats, as they offer incredible personal space. Air France’s food is delicious, with great service flow, especially on such a short overnight flight. The amenities are good, with an above average amenity kit and comfortable bedding.
Overall, Air France’s new A350 business class is the best business class experience offered by any European airline. If you manage to snag one of the bulkhead seats, it’s almost like getting a first class seat at a business class price. I’m thrilled to see Air France continue to invest in its passenger experience.
