Air France has invested €50 million into redesigning its new medium-haul Business and Economy cabins.

The cabins will be fitted in 24 Airbus A319 aircrafts in the first half of 2015 and in 25 Airbus A320 in the first half of 2016, totalling 7,800 new seats altogether.

Air France analysed the opinions of over 10,000 people in order to design the new cabins to the best global standard, and the new Business and Economy cabins will feature leather seats, enhanced inflight services, and free hot meals on medium-haul flights longer than two hours.

Frédéric Gagey, chairman and chief executive of Air France, said: “With these new cabins, we aim to be among the best in the world.

“Winning the preference of each customer on departure from Europe is now a strategic priority of our Perform 2020 plan.”

The new medium-haul cabins coupled with the new ‘Economy Flex’ fare mark the latest policies from Air France aimed at providing a convenient service for business travellers, who represent nearly 30 per cent of all passengers. 

The ‘Economy Flex’ fare offers exclusive benefits, including refundable and flexible tickets, one piece of baggage carried free in hold, access to SkyPriority channels to ensure fast service at the airport, and 200 per cent air miles earned as part of the Flying Blue loyalty programme.

The new cabins, expected to be rolled out across a total of 49 aircraft by mid-2016 will ensure even greater comfort for passengers departing with Air France from ten UK airports to the world, via seamless connections at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.