Launch of Air France's new service concept on medium-haul flights - testing new food on the route Stockholm-Paris

The new full service concept is offered on flights with a flight time over 2 hours and 15 minutes, which includes, for example, the route Stockholm-Paris. In business class, two choices of main course are available to choose from, served on new china. At the same time, Air France’s old Premium Economy has been replaced with a new ticket, Economy Flex, which gives Sky Priority benefits and a seat in a dedicated section at the front of the economy cabin. The changes are based on a survey, with over 10,000 views taken into consideration to better adapt the products to the market and competition. Results gleaned that business class should stand out more as a premium option, while the former premium economy product seemed out-dated and somewhat obsolete.

New food concept in business class and economy class

The new food concept is supposed to mimic what you get on long-haul flights. In business class, passengers are served a welcome drink followed by two choices of hot meals with wine or champagne. Service is rounded off with a coffee and liqueur service after the trays are cleared from tables. In the morning, breakfast is always served, regardless of flight duration, and warm bread is available on all flights. Business class will now also have a dedicated flight attendant who works solely in business class. Meanwhile, new porcelain has been developed, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud. It is the same porcelain used on long-haul flights in business class. He also designed the new grey trays that exhibit his signature on the side. From Stockholm, the LSG Sky Chefs, who are responsible for catering on board, gave us the opportunity to try the two dishes served on board - a fish dish and an Asian-inspired chicken dish. As I said, these two main courses are now offered on flights longer than 2 hours and 15 minutes. There was previously no choice.

New food in Air France’s business class

New food in Air France’s business class In Economy Class, croissants and sandwiches are served, as well as something sweet or salty depending on flight length and time of day. On longer flights, such as Stockholm-Paris, something warm and more substantial will be served. Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine are free, as before. There are no plans to take away free food and drinks in economy class and, according to Air France’s medium-haul manager Alain Hervé Bernard, it is because people simply expect to get something to eat on board with Air France. They would rather cut down on costs in other areas than on food and drink. There is, of course, a close link between Air France, France and food. There is a possibility of introducing optional extras, however, for example, the chance to pre-order items beyond that which are served for free on board.

Premium Economy has become Economy Flex

In early April, premium economy was dissolved within Europe and is now only offered on long-haul flights. To compensate, Air France launched "Economy Flex" for business travellers. Economy Flex gives Sky Priority benefits on the ground along with flexible, rebookable tickets. Once on board, Economy Flex passengers sit in economy class and get economy class service, however, it is in a separate section at the front of economy class. A concept not unlike that which Air france’s sister company KLM operate, Economy Comfort. Travellers with Flying Blue Gold and Platinum can also choose a seat in this section.

New seats on board

Starting in April 2015, new leather seats will gradually be installed throughout all classes. 24 Airbus A319s will get the new seats during the first half of 2015, during 2016, an additional 25 Airbus A320s will get the new seats. A total of 7,800 new seats are to be installed.

Air France’s new seats in Europe The seats are manufactured by British Aerospace and include an adjustable headrest, a hook for a jacket, and a cup holder.

Air France’s new seats in Europe On board, the legroom is slightly larger in the first rows (30-inch seat pitch), while towards the back of the aircraft it is one inch smaller (29-inch seat pitch).

Air France’s new seats in Europe

Testing Internet on board

During the summer of 2015, Air France will also test wireless internet on board in partnership with Orange. The new service will mean that you can surf the Internet, read e-mails and watch live TV or TV-series on board the aircraft. The new service will be tested during a three month period on two Airbus A320s.

Frédéric Gagey, Air France CEO at Arlanda Airport