Airlines continue making headlines, with Air France pulling out all the stops for its VIP travelers and Turkish Airlines placing a massive order with Boeing.
Air France Elevates Premium Travel Experience in LA
Air France is preparing to introduce its new La Premiere cabin on flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) starting Sept. 27, 2025. The daily flight AF022 will mark the debut of this product on the route during the winter season.
The launch in Los Angeles makes it the second U.S. gateway, after New York, to receive the new La Premiere cabins. Air France plans to have the new La Premiere cabin available on all La Premiere destinations by 2026.
For the upcoming winter season, Air France will operate up to three daily direct flights from Los Angeles to Paris, increasing to four daily flights in summer 2026. Departures are scheduled for the afternoon and evening, arriving in Paris the following day.
A new ground service at LAX enhances the La Premiere experience. Passengers can now check in at a dedicated space located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, on the departures level, in front of door L2-9. The service includes personalized assistance, immediate bag drop, priority escort through TSA security and a private car transfer across the airport tarmac.
The new Air France lounge at LAX features a private area exclusively for La Premiere guests. Designed by Air France teams and SGK Brandimage, the lounge showcases the airline’s signature colors and includes furniture by renowned French designers. La Premiere customers have access to a private area with a dining space and a Clarins spa offering exclusive treatments.
On board, the new La Premiere suite offers a modular concept with five windows. It features a seat and a chaise longue that converts into a bed measuring 6.5 feet in length. The suite is equipped with two 32-inch 4K anti-glare screens, noise-reducing headphones, and various power sockets. A wireless touchscreen tablet allows intuitive control of the suite’s functions.
Of note: Michelin-starred chefs Daniel Boulud and Dominique Crenn have created signature dishes for La Premiere customers departing from U.S. gateways. Crenn offers vegetarian and fish options, while Boulud brings a modern touch to French culinary tradition with poultry and red meat dishes. Laurent Le Daniel, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, is responsible for the refined desserts at the La Premiere experience.
For more information, visit airfrance.us.
Turkish Airlines Expands Fleet and Reaches New Destinations
Turkish Airlines has reached an agreement with Boeing to add 75 wide-body 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners to its fleet between 2029 and 2034. This order comprises 50 firm and 25 option aircraft.
Negotiations are ongoing with engine manufacturers Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace for the Dreamliner order. Additionally, Turkish Airlines has completed talks with Boeing for 150 737-8/10 MAX aircraft, comprising 100 firm orders and 50 options, pending discussions with engine maker CFM International.
As part of its “Vision 2033,” marking the airline’s centenary, Turkish Airlines aims to grow its fleet to over 800 aircraft. The carrier plans to increase the proportion of next-generation aircraft to 90 percent by 2033 and 100 percent by 2035, while maintaining an average annual growth rate of 6 percent.
The addition of the 787-10, the largest Dreamliner variant, will be a first for the airline. These new aircraft will reduce operating costs by 25 percent, offering 25 percent better fuel efficiency, while increasing passenger and cargo capacity on high-demand routes, particularly to the United States, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The expanded Dreamliner fleet will enhance Turkish Airlines’ long-haul capabilities, while the 737 MAX aircraft will improve efficiency on short- and medium-haul routes. This strategic acquisition will also reinforce Istanbul’s position as a key hub for passenger and cargo transport.
Of note: In a separate development, Turkish Airlines has added Seville to its network, marking its sixth destination in Spain after Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao.
For more information, visit turkishairlines.com.
