AirFrance just won world’s best First Class – here’s a look inside

It must be the French flair, but in a decade where flying seems to be getting increasingly stripped-back and uncomfortable, Air France has managed to keep its je ne sais quoi intact. Now, its efforts have been recognised, as the airline has won the title of World’s Best First Class Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony held in London on September 18, 2026.

It’s the first time Air France has won this particular award, but the French flag carrier picked up several accolades at this year’s awards, including World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining and World’s Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities. It was also named Best Airline in Western Europe for the sixth year running and climbed from eighth to seventh place in Skytrax’s overall global airline ranking.

The win comes after Air France unveiled a completely redesigned version of its exclusive La Première cabin in spring 2025. Developed over three years, the cabin has just four suites, each offering almost 3.5 square metres of personal space – 25 per cent more than the previous design.

Air France won World’s Best First Class Airline

Rather than a traditional First Class seat, each suite has an armchair and a separate chaise longue, which can be extended into a two-metre-long, 75cm-wide bed when it’s time to sleep. The window suites stretch across five windows – something Air France says is unique to the airline – while thick floor-to-ceiling curtains create a private cocoon for each passenger. Those travelling together can opt for the adjoining central suites, which have an electric sliding partition that can be lowered or raised depending on how sociable you’re feeling.

There are plenty of other bells and whistles, too. Each suite comes with two 32-inch 4K screens, a wireless touchscreen tablet to control everything from the lighting to the window shades, wireless charging and high-speed wi-fi. The luxurious (and glamorous) French touch comes courtesy of Jacquemus-designed pyjamas and Sisley skincare products, as well as indulgent menus created by Michelin-starred chefs.

Paris Charles de Gaulle, La Première passengers can access private lounge areas