Air France 777s Getting Tip-To-Tail Makeover, New Business Class

As I’ve already covered, Air France will be debuting a new La Premiere first class product, available exclusively on a subfleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This is an exciting development, as it really takes the carrier’s incredible first class to the next level. However, arguably there’s another change that’s just as significant, as first class won’t be the only part of these jets that’s being updated.

Air France four-class 777-300ERs getting new business class

Over the next couple of years, Air France will be installing its new first class product on at least 19 Boeing 777-300ERs. However, the changes to these planes go beyond just the pointy end. These aircraft will be getting a makeover in all cabins, bringing them in line with Air France’s latest passenger experience.

I’d say the most exciting development here is that Air France will also be installing its new business class product on four-cabin Boeing 777-300ERs (with first class). In 2023, Air France debuted its new 777 business class, though at the time, it was only installed on 12 three-cabin Boeing 777-300ERs (without first class). Now the airline will be expanding that project, with the number of 777s featuring the new cabins nearly tripling.

This is a huge deal, and incredibly positive. Keep in mind that these four-cabins 777s operate on the most premium routes, to destinations like Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Singapore (SIN), and more. So it’s nice that these routes won’t just feature the incredible new first class, but also the latest business class.

For context, Air France’s four cabin 777-300ERs currently have the carrier’s older business class product, which is also in a reverse herringbone configuration, but without the modern bells and whistles.

Meanwhile the new 777-300ER business class is so much better, with each seating having a door, and hugely upgraded tech, from USB-C and wireless charging, to bluetooth audio.

In the interest of being thorough, let me emphasize that no plans have been announced for reconfiguring the high density 777-300ERs (with just 14 business class seats), or the three-cabin 777-200ERs.

Air France is reconfiguring 777-300ERs very efficiently

As Air France reconfigures its four-cabin 777-300ERs, there will be some changes to the layout:

• Currently, four-cabin 777-300ERs have 296 seats, including four first class seats, 58 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 206 economy seats (see the seat map here)
• Once reconfigured, four-cabin 777-300ERs will have 312 seats, including four first class seats, 60 business class seats, 44 premium economy seats, and 204 economy seats (see the seat map here)

As you can see, the improved yields made possible by these configuration are wild, and would make any airline executive salivate. Once reconfigured, planes will have 16 more seats, almost all premium:

• The plane will have a much improved and more spacious first class
• The plane will have two extra business class seats
• The plane will have 16 extra premium economy seats
• The plane will only have two fewer economy seats

So, how is the layout changing section-by-section?

• Between the first and second set of doors, there will still be four first class seats and 16 business class seats; there’s even a fourth lavatory being added by the second set of doors, compared to the three there currently are
• Between the second and third set of doors, there will continue to be 44 business class seats
• Between the third and fourth set of doors, there will be 44 premium economy seats and 70 economy seats, compared to 28 premium economy seats and 78 economy seats; this is possible in part because the two lavatories at the front of premium economy are being eliminated
• Between the fourth and fifth set of doors, where will be 134 economy seats, compared to 128 economy seats

Essentially, it would appear that a lot of these changes have been made possible by rearranging lavatories. In total, premium economy and economy go from six lavatories to five lavatories, and premium economy loses dedicated lavatories. Obviously that’s not great for premium economy passengers, but airlines also have to balance passenger experience and efficiency, and one thing is for sure — this is a mighty efficient configuration.

Bottom line

Air France will be reconfiguring all of its four-cabin Boeing 777-300ERs. While the new La Premiere first class cabin is of course the “shiniest” change, arguably an equally big development is that these planes are getting a new business class.

Air France is installing reverse herringbone seats with doors on its four-cabin 777-300ERs, featuring greatly updated tech. This will be a game changer for Air France in the most competitive markets.

The airline is reconfiguring these planes very efficiently, and is increasing seat count, almost entirely with premium seats. The only bad news is that premium economy passengers lose their dedicated lavatories.

What do you make of Air France’s plans to reconfigure its four-cabin 777-300ERs?