Latest news with #LaPremière
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Daniel Boulud Is Again Bringing The Michelin Experience To Air Travel
Daniel Boulud's fare is legendary and reservations at his many restaurants are as coveted as they are hard to come by. However, in the coming months, for some lucky air travelers, tasting his food will become as simple as investing in a plane ticket. This is because beginning in the summer of 2025, celebrity chef Daniel Boulud will be creating several new signature dishes for Air France's La Première and Business cabins. Chef Daniel Boulud will be partnering with Air France again, beginning this summer. While neither the chef or the airline were able to share specifics about the dishes as of yet (their representatives say that news will be announced in the coming weeks) the new dishes will be available in the La Première and Business cabins on flights from New York-JFK to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, but also from other major cities that include Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, DC before ultimately being rolled out to all of Air France's US destinations and will include both red meat and poultry dishes that were created exclusively for these airline menus. This summer's launch isn't the first time the chef as worked with Air France, though, and it's a partnership that makes perfect sense. "My collaboration with Air France began in 2016, when I became the first French U.S.-based chef to join forces with the airline," said Chef Daniel Boulud in an email interview. The chef shared in the interview that he was specifically drawn to Air France's established dedication to their culinary program. 'For me, it was a meaningful opportunity to share our rich gastronomic heritage by creating dishes that balance creativity, tradition, and seasonality—while also bringing a touch of both France and America to the skies.' As someone who has lived in the U.S. for many years, Boulud is especially proud to now work closely with the Air France culinary team on all direct flights between ten major U.S. cities and Paris. "It's an honor to be part of this global circle of chefs and to contribute to an experience that celebrates French cuisine in such a thoughtful, elevated way. Our American passengers, many of whom are incredibly loyal to Air France, have embraced this partnership with enthusiasm—and that makes it all the more rewarding," said Boulud. Designing dishes for in-flight service is a unique challenge—one that requires elegance, precision, and adaptability. "Alongside Air France's Corporate Chef François Adamski and their talented culinary teams, we've created a menu that reflects the essence of French cuisine: rooted in tradition, yet modern, light, and seasonal," said Boulud. Each dish is carefully composed to preserve flavor at altitude while delivering comfort and pleasure on board. "Many of the creations are inspired by my New York restaurants and feature signature elements—sauces, techniques, or garnishes—reimagined to work beautifully in the air," said Boulud, who says his background in both fine dining and catering has helped the team to bring restaurant-quality meals to passengers in a way that feels authentic and satisfying. Boulud's approach to cooking is guided by three principles: creativity, flavor, and responsibility. "I grew up on a farm near Lyon, surrounded by nature and seasonal ingredients—that early connection to the land still shapes everything I do," said Boulud. In New York, the chef is fortunate to have vibrant markets and exceptional local products throughout the year, which Boulud believes makes it possible to craft dishes that reflect both French technique and the cultural energy of the city. Every menu begins with the season. "Whether it's the rich, warming dishes of winter or the lighter, sun-filled flavors of summer, I aim to create meals that feel bright, balanced, and deeply rooted in the moment," said Boulud. Sustainability also plays a key role. "My cuisine is always thoughtful about sourcing, waste, and impact, without ever compromising on taste," said Boulud . After years of frequent travel, Boulud learned that the key to a comfortable flight lies in a few simple rituals. "Staying hydrated is essential, as is getting up to stretch when possible. I also use the time in the air to unwind—whether that means watching a movie, flipping through something light, or closing my eyes for a quick rest," said Boulud. Ultimately for Boulud, a great flight combines small pleasures: "A well-prepared meal, a good glass of wine, thoughtful entertainment, and a moment to recharge."
CNN
10-04-2025
- Business
- CNN
Airlines are bringing back first class — but there are problems
Long-haul first class with a glass of Champagne in hand is the slowly dying dream of many travelers, with carriers like American Airlines, Qatar Airways and United Airlines sounding the death knell for international top-tier experiences on their planes. Always looking to maximize profits, such airlines have come to believe that improved business class seats are the way forward, rendering the posh, private echelons at the pointy end of the plane redundant. International 'first class will not exist … at American Airlines for the simple reason that our customers aren't buying it,' American's former Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja told CNN in 2022. Not everyone agrees. Some airlines, including Air France, Emirates and Lufthansa, are now doubling down on first class and upgrading their offerings for those travelers willing to splash out for a truly luxury, bespoke experience. First class 'remains hugely important to us,' Emirates President Tim Clark told travel industry website Skift in 2023. In March, Air France and Lufthansa both unveiled the latest iterations of their top offerings. The former is leaning into an all-inclusive luxury experience that Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith described as 'as close to a private-jet experience as possible.' The new La Première includes an exclusive experience on the ground at the airline's main Paris hub, and what it described as an elegant and personalized product aloft. The new La Première suite debuts on Air France's flights to New York JFK this spring. Eventually, 19 of its Boeing 777-300ERs will be fitted with the luxurious product. Lufthansa's new Allegris First Class leans heavily on privacy and, as the airline's Chief Customer Officer Heiko Reitz put it, 'individuality.' Everything about the new suites from seat position to temperature and airflow are at the passenger's finger tips. 'We wanted to create a retreat above the clouds,' Reitz said at a recent preview of the product. 'This setting is not a seat, this setting here is a living room — an area where you feel comfortable, where you feel cozy.' Airlines invest heavily in premium offerings for good reason. Business and first class cabins generate around 15% of total revenue despite making up just 3% of passengers, according to trade group the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Premium travel has soared in recent years. IATA data shows the number of global premium travelers grew almost twice as fast as economy fliers from January 2023 through May 2024. That growth is driving a surge of new investment. Allegris represents a 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) investment over multiple years for Lufthansa. And its sister carrier, Swiss, will receive its own version of Allegris later this year. Emirates is similarly investing billions of dollars in its onboard offerings, including an upgraded first class. And others, like Air France and American, are putting undisclosed millions towards their own premium upgrades. 'People are eager to fly, and they are willing to spend money to fly premium,' said Jens Ritter, chief executive of Lufthansa Airlines, at the Allegris preview event. First class, however, is the rarefied domain of primarily wealthy leisure travelers and people splashing out with points for a luxury trip. Corporate travel policies by and large restrict their fliers to at best business class on long flights. And while their numbers may be small, first-class fliers' willingness to pay top dollar has airlines splashing out for them. 'The first-class cabin remains a more flexible palette on which airlines can experiment and create a unique travel experience,' said Seth Miller, editor of the inflight experience publication Allegris, he said, succeeds at differentiating itself from its competitors with unique features like the extra-wide two-person Suite Plus offered in the center section of the cabin. Board one of the few Lufthansa Airbus A350s with Allegris First Class and you are greeted by a nearly private cabin at the front of the plane. Four seats arranged in three suites — the middle section is the two-person Suite Plus — stretch across the plane. The nearly ceiling-high walls with a faux-wood aesthetic block most views of the seats until you are practically standing beside them. Inside the suites are shades of navy and tan. A vase with a red flower softens the otherwise dark finishings. Privacy, or exclusivity, 'on a whole new level' is the point, said Heiko. For extra privacy, travelers can draw a set of navy curtains to close off their suite. Each suite has an up-to-43-inch entertainment screen, dining room-like table, a wardrobe and a foot locker big enough for a rollaboard suitcase. An iPad controls the entertainment system and climate controls. Noise-canceling headphones connect via Bluetooth. Amenity kits are by Porsche Design, Rimowa and Sinn. And pajamas on longer flights are by van Laack. Dining options range from a sushi appetizer to braised veal or a pike-perch filet. And, yes, there is Champagne. Lufthansa's Allegris soft product, by and large, is the same as on flights today. That's because the airline is in the midst of a complete service revamp as part of its upcoming centenary in 2026. 'We are rethinking the entire service to our customers from economy to premium economy to business class and to first class,' said Heiko. 'We are looking at plates, glasses, cutlery, individual food components, napkins, pillows, blankets, amenity kits, inflight entertainment — everything.' Asked why wait on the service upgrades, Heiko said it was in part to mark the airline's anniversary next year and partially to hold off until Allegris is available on a critical mass of planes. Lufthansa estimates that 30% of its long-haul fleet will have Allegris by the time of its centenary. That includes new A350s, Boeing 787s and, maybe, delayed Boeing 777Xs. Many of its 19 Boeing 747-8s will begin receiving upgrades on the main deck this summer; the upper deck will retain the older business class for the time being. And some of Lufthansa's eight Airbus A380s will start retrofits next year. Older planes, including Airbus A340s and 747-400s, are scheduled for retirement and will not receive Allegris. For now, Allegris is only available on eight A350s — 10 by summer — on flights from Munich to five cities: Bengaluru, Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and Shanghai. They will also be available to Charlotte, N.C. and Newark later in the summer. Related gallery Qantas reveals new A350 first and business class cabins The supply chain challenges that have dogged the industry since it emerged from the coronavirus pandemic are holding up many of the planned upgrades to airlines' premium offerings. 'Seats continue to be a problem,' Kelly Ortberg, the chief executive of Boeing, said in February. 'It's not actually the production of the seats, it's getting the seats certified. And it's not actually the butt part of the seat. It's the cabinet and the doors for first class and business class, these are pretty complex systems.' American and Lufthansa are just two airlines continuing to fly their older premium products as they await new seats. And Saudi startup Riyadh Air has pushed back its launch as it awaits its first planes. For Lufthansa, it has around 15 Boeing 787s parked at the US aerospace company's plant in North Charleston, S.C., awaiting certification, Ritter said. Once those planes start arriving — something he hoped will begin this summer — the airline can expand the number of flights and destinations with Allegris. Those are just the latest delays the German airline faces. Allegris was supposed to debut on new 777X airliners in 2020 but those plans went awry when the Boeing wide-bodies were delayed, and delayed again, to maybe arrive in 2026. Some of the delays, however, are of Lufthansa's own making. Allegris, with all its floor-to-ceiling walls and individualized features, requires special installation procedures on each type of plane. Regulators must also sign off on the designs to ensure they meet safety standards. Still, experts say, when it comes to competing for high-end travelers the wait is worth it for Lufthansa and other airlines. 'If Lufthansa didn't invest in long-haul first class, at some point it would see some portion of its most valuable customers defect to other carriers,' said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research. Without a new product, Lufthansa and others could be forced to discount first-class seats to 'buy the business' that, he added, was less than desirable.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Forbes
Rafael Nadal's New Caribbean Hotel, Europe's Top Wine Destinations And More Travel News
. Meliá Hotels International In 2023, a year before he retired from tennis, Rafael Nadal prepared for life after the sport by launching the Zel hospitality brand with Meliá Hotels. This month, after opening properties in Mallorca and Spain's Costa Brava, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is serving up his third hotel—Zel Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The 190-suite property has eight restaurants, a spa, beach club and, yes, plenty of tennis courts. 'I have been traveling for 20-something years,' Nadal told Forbes Travel Guide at the hotel's opening. 'I have been lucky enough to visit, probably, the best hotels in the world, and I learned what I like and what I don't like. It's a completely different experience [now].' . air france This spring, Air France is upgrading its first class service, La Première, on selected flights between Paris and New York's JFK. The new suites measure 38 square feet, feature the longest bed in the air (at 6.5 feet) and span five windows to flood side suites with natural light. (The shades also have translucent and blackout options.) Two 32-inch 4K screens will offer 1,500 hours of entertainment viewable from the suite's seat or its chaise longue. As for the cuisine, Dominique Crenn, a three Michelin-starred chef and owner of Atelier Crenn and Bar Crenn in San Francisco provides several options on flights departing the U.S.; another three-star chef Emmanuel Renaut of Flocons de Sel restaurant in Megève creates dishes for flights leaving from Paris. . Paul Allen/Andfotography2 There are many reasons to visit Europe this summer, but great wine makes all of them better. Europe's Best Destinations has just released its list of Europe's best wine destinations for 2025, having surveyed more than 280,000 wine lovers from 92 countries. This year, Plovdiv, Bulgaria —with a 5,000-year tradition of making wine—was named Europe's top wine capital while Spain's La Rioja and Bordeaux, France rounded out the top three. . getty Those thinking about a second passport should consider how powerful it is—meaning how many countries does it allow a bearer to visit visa-free? According to a new report by Astons, the global investment immigration company, Spain has the world's most powerful passport for 2025, with visa-free access to 177 countries, followed closely by Greece, France, Italy, Germany and 10 other nations tied with entry to 176. . Courtesy of Apukka Resort / Visit Finland If they seem a little smug in Helsinki right now, perhaps it's because Finland was named the world's happiest country for the eighth year in a row. The 2025 World Happiness Report ranks more than 140 countries based on a number of factors, including life expectancy, freedom from corruption, and generosity. The other Nordic countries are also on top of the world this year, with Denmark, Iceland and Sweden filling out the top four and the Netherlands ranking fifth. The United States hit a new low in 2025, dropping to 24th, but cheer up, Americans, there's still a lot of real estate to go before we hit bottom—Afghanistan is ranked 147th.
South China Morning Post
21-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
With new first class suite, Air France hopes to lure travellers from rivals, private jets
Air France this week unveiled a new first-class suite as it expands efforts to lure wealthy travellers from business jets and lend a 'French touch' to the tussle for premium revenue. Advertisement The CEO of parent Air France-KLM, Ben Smith, said the investment aimed to place Air France at the top of the European league in airline luxury, signalling a battle with British Airways and Lufthansa 'A large percentage of the customers are flying for business reasons … many of them have the choice of a private jet or flying in first class,' Smith said. 'What is new for us over the last few years is a marked increase in the number of luxury customers that are flying for leisure purposes.' The air travel industry is locked in a battle for high-fare-paying customers as it recovers from the pandemic but is split over the value of investing in first class, with many carriers focusing on steady improvements in business-class seating. A passenger in an Air France La Première first-class suite. The suites span five windows and have both a seat and a chaise longue, which also converts to a flat bed. Photo: courtesy of Air France Air France's latest first-class cabin, laid out in four pairs of grey, red-accented beds and seats on select planes, follows a years-long effort to reinvent a once loss-making product since Smith joined the national carrier in 2018.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Air France unveils its new La Première experience, the highest expression of travel
- After launching an exceptional airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 2024, Air France is reinventing the travel experience on board its most exclusive cabin. - Four suites, each nearly 3.5 square meters, will gradually be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with the first in-flight experience available beginning in spring 2025. - Featuring five windows – an Air France exclusive – as well as a seat and a chaise longue that converts to a true two-meter-long bed, the new La Première cabin promises a unique experience enhanced by personalized service and a three-star gourmet offering. PARIS, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A reflection of French elegance and art de vivre, La Première has always embodied Air France's signature excellence. Both at the airport and onboard, La Première guests enjoy exclusive and personalized moments, with high-flying experiences curated by dedicated La Première staff who provide discreet yet attentive service. « The launch of our new La Première experience is a major step in our strategic roadmap", said Benjamin Smith, President of Air France and CEO of Air France-KLM Group. "We continue to invest in state-of-the-art products for our customers at every step of their journey, with the aim of positioning Air France at the highest level worldwide. With a new private ground experience at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and a completely redesigned, larger-than-ever La Première suite onboard, this new experience truly is the highest expression of travel. It continues to be elevated by our dedicated staff, who strive to make each journey an exceptional moment. Going forward, we will make this new product available on more aircraft to more destinations, a testament to our commitment to excellence". A fully customizable suite extending over five windows: an Air France exclusive Developed over three years, Air France's new La Première suite features a unique and fully adaptable design, consisting of a seat and a chaise longue that transform into a full bed. Click here to download the visuals. The seat adjusts to different phases of the flight: takeoff, landing, dining, or relaxation mode. With an embossed leather headrest featuring Air France's historic winged seahorse emblem and plush ergonomic padding, the seat adapts to each passenger's body for optimal comfort. A nearby console and table provide convenient space for working or dining. Opposite the seat, the chaise longue offers the perfect place to stretch out while remaining seated, ideal for reading or watching a movie. For maximum comfort while sleeping, it extends seamlessly into a fully flat bed measuring two meters long and 75 centimeters wide. The new suite adapts to each passenger's rhythm and desires. Each one offers a private space totaling nearly 3.5 square meters, providing 25% more space compared to the current cabin. A cozy blanket and large cushions make this space an intimate cocoon. Each suite is enclosed by a thick, floor-to-ceiling curtain for complete privacy and a peaceful ambiance. The side suites boast five windows, an Air France exclusive feature. Meanwhile, adjacent suites in the center of the cabin allow for shared travel while maintaining privacy thanks to a full-height, electric sliding partition that can be activated at the touch of a button. The quintessence of elegance Exclusively reserved for La Première guests, this cabin, located at the front of the aircraft, offers a completely private experience. Every detail has been meticulously designed. Only the finest materials, such as full-grain leather and plush wool, have been carefully selected for these new suites crafted in France by STELIA Aerospace. Its unique design was conceived by the company in association with the expertise of the Design Investment studio and the SGK Brandimage agency. The cabin's design features a harmonious color palette dominated by shades of gray, with leather-trimmed finishes and exclusive fabrics created for La Première. Touches of red, reminiscent of haute couture, add character and distinction. Champagne-colored metallic accents enhance every detail, while the dark carpeting creates a sense of airiness and fluidity, giving the impression of suspension. To create an unparalleled sense of space, overhead compartments have been replaced with floor-level storage. A large sliding drawer accommodates up to two carry-on suitcases, while a second drawer under the chaise longue provides space for footwear. A personal compartment with a backlit mirror is available near the seat for personal belongings, along with an individual wardrobe. Light plays a central role in this exceptional setting. The five windows fill the space with natural brightness, creating a serene atmosphere. They feature electric translucent or blackout shades. The lighting system includes two lamps adorned with the signature Air France winged seahorse, available as both wall-mounted and floor-standing fixtures. Subtle ambient lighting accompanies each phase of the flight. Onboard, cutting-edge technology enhances the travel experience. Each guest enjoys two 32-inch 4K screens, offering over 1,500 hours of entertainment accessible from the seat, chaise longue, or bed. Noise-canceling headphones are provided, and passengers can also connect their personal headphones via Bluetooth. The suite is equipped with 110V/220V electrical outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging stations, and dedicated holders for smartphones or tablets. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey. Soon, Air France will introduce a new ultra-high-speed connectivity service across its fleet, replacing the current offering and providing an at-home experience in the sky.* The suite can be intuitively controlled via a wireless touchscreen tablet. With a simple touch, passengers can adjust the inclination of their seat, chaise longue, or bed, as well as the lighting and window shades. The tablet also allows easy navigation through all entertainment options. Four suites will progressively be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The first aircraft to feature the new La Première cabin, named Épernay, will take off in the spring and fly to New York-JFK. Other destinations, including Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda, will be added during the summer 2025 season. La Première is currently available from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda and Washington DC. Click here to learn more about Air France's new La Première experience. La Première, the highest expression of travel Air France's La Première is the perfect blend of a rich heritage, cherished and upheld since 1933, and a never-end quest for excellence. Every stage of the journey is designed to offer an exceptional, tailor-made experience. From the spacious airport lounge to the private onboard suite, from three-star cuisine to a carefully curated selection of fine wines and champagnes, and from restful nights at 35,000 feet to personalized service, every moment is elevated to transform travel into an unforgettable experience. By reinventing this signature product, which is deeply embedded in its DNA, Air France is taking another step forward in its move upmarket. *The rollout of this new Wi-Fi service across the entire Air France fleet will begin in the summer 2025 season. The service will be entirely free for Flying Blue and La Première customers. Air France Press Office: – X/Twitter @AFnewsroom View original content: SOURCE AIR FRANCE Sign in to access your portfolio
