Should be on NYC-Paris route by fall

Air France is the latest international carrier to add a premium economy cabin on its long-haul services. The company said its new Premium Voyageur section, located between business class and economy class, will be gradually phased in on its entire global long-haul network of 777s, A340s and A330s starting this fall; the first routes to get the new option will be Paris-New York, Paris-Tokyo and Paris-Osaka. Air France said a typical roundtrip fare between New York-Paris in the new cabin would be $1,431 including all taxes and fees. The Premium Voyageur cabin will have 22 seats, replacing 40 economy seats. The new seats, specially designed for the cabin, will be 18.9 inches wide with a 123 degrees angle of recline; “and thanks to the fixed shell, it is not intrusive for the passengers sitting just behind,” a spokesman said. Seat pitch in the new cabin will be 38.2 inches, and seats will have a 10.4-inch video screen. Passengers will get some of the same services as in business class, like an amenities kit, bottle of water, noise-reducing headphones, feather pillow and blanket. The meal service will be the same as in economy class. At the airport, Premium Voyageur passengers will get priority check-in desks, an increased baggage weight allowance, boarding at their convenience and priority bag delivery. Air France said it will continue to offer first class and business class cabins on long-haul flights.