FIRST CLASS: New international cabins in 2025

I recently wrote about my fantasy of just going to the airport and catching the next available flight with a First Class cabin. That is something I will probably never do. But it looks like we might be entering a new golden age of international First Class travel. While many airlines have shifted focus to Business Class, several global carriers are introducing all-new First Class products for the premium traveller.

Some have already been launched, while others are just proposed with estimated launch dates in 2025. Here’s what to expect (and when) from a slew of upcoming first-class cabin launches. I will write a separate post on expected First Class cabins from 2026 and beyond.

2025

Air France – Très Chic already in the Skies Spring 2025

Air France has unveiled its brand-new version of its La Première suites on the Boeing 777-300ER on 8 April 2025, between Paris (CDG) and New York (JFK). It’s an ultra-private curtained configuration with just four suites per aircraft, each stretching across five windows.

Each suite features a reclining seat and a separate chaise longue that forms a full-length bed, allowing passengers to shift seamlessly between work, rest, and dining. Floor-to-ceiling thick acoustic curtains and rich textures are designed to evoke the feeling of a Parisian pied-à-terre—if your digs came with Michelin-level service at 35,000 feet.

The new cabin is being installed on selected Air France Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Destinations besides New York will include Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda.

La Première — new or old cabin 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.

Lufthansa – Allegris First Class Debuts in 2025

Lufthansa’s long-awaited Allegris First Class was announced as taking off on 9 November 2024. Originally designed for a debut on the new Boeing 777-9, the long delays to the launch of that aircraft have forced Lufthansa to start installation on their fleet of Airbus A350s.

The showpiece of the Allegris cabins is the First Class Suite Plus, a double suite in the centre of the cabin designed for couples or solo travellers seeking maximum space.

The first destinations will be Bangalore on November 9, followed by Mumbai, India. The Allegris cabins consist of only four suites, two of which can be combined to form the First Class Suite Plus.

The initial flight will be for tech testing and crew familiarisation. The first passengers will be invited and drawn from the airline’s most loyal customers. After that, targeted upgrades will be offered, and finally, the suites will be available for general booking as more aircraft with the cabins become available.

The suites are nearly one metre wide, have ceiling-high walls, a lockable door, a large table, a huge screen, and wireless over-ear headphones. Other features include personal wardrobes, climate-controlled seats, and nearly seven feet of bed space.

SWISS – Northern Summer 2025

Yes, it does look remarkably like the Lufthansa product. Actually bar some colour and other finishing choices it is exactly the same. Expect this to be rolled out together with a new Business Class cabin in the Northern summer, 2025. Initial installation will be on the new A350s with retrofits to come for its A330 and 777 fleet.

The facilities of the suite will be the same as for Lufthansa, too.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has also been affected by the delay in the launch of the Boeing 777-9 aircraft. It has a highly anticipated new First Class product, dubbed the Halo Suites, in the pipeline, but not until 2027 at the earliest.

Further complicating matters, it had a strategy to phase out First Class on its current fleet of 777-300ERs. The new Aria Business Class suites would end up as the premium cabin. The Aria Suites are being rolled out to replace the previous Cirrus Business Class suites. The retrofit program for these suites on the Boeing 777-300ERs is expected to be complete in 2027.

The Aria Suite is currently operating on select Boeing 777-300ER routes, including Hong Kong to London Heathrow, Beijing, and Sydney. The service is expected to be expanded to North America and Europe next.

Riyadh Air – Saudi Arabia’s bid for luxury supremacy

Newcomer Riyadh Air plans to launch operations by late 2025. It boasts that its Business Class would rival most First Class cabins. No need for First.

That view has changed. Riyadh Air’s CEO Tony Douglas is now talking about gaining a First Class cabin ‘eventually’. It’s it’s already teasing a world-class First Class product. While details are scarce, the airline is positioning itself as a premium global hub carrier, with reports suggesting a lavishly appointed suite likely debuting on Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions are big, so it was always silly to think First Class wouldn’t be central to its global pitch.

Japan Airlines – already flying the new flagship First Class

Japan Airlines launched its new first class back in January 2024 aboard its Airbus A350-1000. It is slowly replacing its fleet of 777s with the Airbus A350-1000s along with their new First and Business cabins. Delivery of the remaining A350s will be through to 2028. So the rollout of the new First Class is maybe just past its midpoint, with 9 out of 13 planes delivered.

The First Class cabin features just six suites in a 1-1-1 configuration, each fully enclosed and fitted with 17-inch 4K monitors, wireless audio, and Japanese minimalist interiors.

It’s part of JAL’s pivot to modern luxury—with fine-dining kaiseki menus and quiet zones designed for optimal rest.

Air India

On 12 January 2025, Air India announced the introduction of a new First Class cabin on its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This move is part of the airline’s strategy to enhance its premium appeal and compete on routes to destinations like London and New York.

Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, announced the reintroduction of First Class as a desirable product for his hoped to be leading airline. The new Air India A350-1000s will feature a four-class layout, including private First Class suites.

Some of the existing Boeing 777s and already delivered A350s come with a legacy First Class cabin.

Etihad Airways – First Class on a narrowbody?

In a bold move, Etihad will debut a first-class product on its 20 ordered Airbus A321LR narrow-body aircraft in August 2025. Designed for short—to mid-haul premium routes, the two suites in a 1-1 configuration are located at the front of the aircraft. Expectations are for fully enclosed, doored suites with lie-flat beds.

It’s part of Etihad’s plan to offer boutique luxury even on shorter flights across the Middle East and Europe.

A Summary of First Class Products for 2025

Airline	Launch Date	Aircraft	Features
Air France	Spring 2025	Boeing 777-300ER	Chaise lounge, bed, full privacy, 4 suites
Lufthansa	2025	Airbus A350-900	Suite Plus, climate control, 7-ft bed, centre double suite
SWISS	Summer 2025	A350, A330, 777	Full privacy, wellness lighting, personal wardrobes
Air India	2025	A350, Boeing 777	Private suites
Japan Airlines	January 2024	Airbus A350-1000	17” 4K screen, wireless audio, enclosed suites
Etihad Airways	August 2025	Airbus A321LR	Narrowbody suite, lie-flat, boutique service
Riyadh Air	Late 2025 or beyond	TBD (787/A350/777X)	Lavish private suites, hub positioning focus

2PAXfly Takeout

2025 is shaping up to be the beginning of a renaissance for international First Class. Airlines are betting that there are enough deep-pocketed travellers who still crave space, privacy, and a little pretence with their caviar and can afford it.

So while some carriers are removing First Class, others are designing it to be the best it’s ever been—larger, more private, and more luxurious.

However, if you think 2025 is impressive for the new First Class product, wait until 2026. That will be the next instalment.