Air France is bringing its new La Première suite to sub-Saharan Africa for the first time, with daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abidjan set to feature the airline’s most exclusive cabin from 22 June 2026.

The move reflects growing demand for premium travel between Côte d’Ivoire and France and positions Abidjan among a select group of global destinations served by Air France’s redesigned first-class product.

To mark the launch, Air France will showcase the new La Première suite at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire from 11 to 12 June, giving customers the opportunity to experience the airline’s latest cabin innovation before it enters service.

Abidjan Joins Exclusive La Première Network

The new La Première suite is currently available on flights from Paris to destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Boston, San Francisco and Tokyo Haneda.

From 22 June, Abidjan will become the first destination in sub-Saharan Africa to receive the new cabin, with daily flights operated by a Boeing 777-300ER equipped with the upgraded product.

Flight AF702 will depart Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:55 and arrive in Abidjan at 18:35, while the return flight AF703 will leave Abidjan at 21:10 and arrive in Paris at 05:45 the following morning.

Air France plans to gradually expand the new La Première experience across its long-haul network, with 19 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft expected to serve 14 destinations from Paris by summer 2026.

A New Standard in First-Class Travel

The redesigned La Première suite represents the highest level of luxury offered by Air France. Each aircraft features just four suites, providing an exceptional level of privacy and personal space.

The fully modular concept combines a reclining seat, a day bed and a separate full-length bed extending two metres, allowing passengers to adapt the space for dining, relaxation, work or sleep.

Each suite features five windows, floor-to-ceiling privacy curtains and two 32-inch 4K anti-glare screens. Guests can enjoy entertainment from any position within the suite using wireless controls and noise-reducing headphones.

Additional features include wireless charging, USB-A and USB-C ports, power outlets and Bluetooth connectivity for personal devices.

The cabin experience extends beyond the aircraft, with dedicated airport services, exclusive lounge access, personalised service and carefully curated dining and beverage offerings.

French Haute Cuisine Takes Centre Stage

Passengers departing from Abidjan in La Première will also have access to menus created by Michelin-starred chef Mory Sacko, who became the first signature Air France chef based in Africa in 2026.

Known for blending African, Japanese and French culinary influences, Sacko has developed a collection of dishes exclusively for Air France’s premium cabins.

Among the creations available on flights from Abidjan are chicken cooked in coconut milk with pilaf rice, carrots and celery, as well as sea bass wrapped in banana leaves and served with sauce vierge, avocado cream and traditional Ivorian attiéké.

The chef has created 12 original dishes for the La Première menu, featuring a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian options inspired by both French gastronomy and African culinary traditions.

Celebrating Air France Heritage in Abidjan

The launch event at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire will also feature an exhibition highlighting Air France’s history and heritage.

Visitors will be able to view a collection of historic airline uniforms created by renowned designers including Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Lacroix, alongside demonstrations of the airline’s latest inflight entertainment technology.

Air France currently operates up to two daily flights between Abidjan and Paris-Charles de Gaulle, reinforcing the importance of the route within the airline’s African network.

With the arrival of the new La Première suite, the carrier is further strengthening its premium offering on one of West Africa’s most important international air corridors.