Boston Joins Atlanta, Houston, and Tel Aviv in Air France’s La Première Expansion—Competing Head-to-Head with Delta’s Premium Routes in 2025 and 2026!

Published on December 6, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Air France, the French national carrier, is set to expand its exclusive La Première service to Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Tel Aviv, connecting France, Israel, and the United States. Starting in late 2025 and into 2026, passengers will be able to experience the renowned La Première cabin, featuring luxury suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service, on direct flights departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to these key destinations. The expansion strengthens Air France’s foothold in the premium travel market, offering a world-class flying experience on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

This new service is part of a broader push by Air France to cater to affluent travelers seeking exclusive, high-end services across the Atlantic, especially to the U.S. and Israel, where competition for premium passengers is fierce. Notably, Delta Air Lines and other major carriers are also enhancing their offerings to these same cities, positioning the airlines against each other in the lucrative luxury travel market.

What is Air France’s La Première Expansion?

Air France’s La Première service represents the pinnacle of luxury travel, offering passengers fully enclosed suites with lie-flat beds, personalized in-flight services, and exclusive amenities. As part of its expansion into the U.S. and Israel, Air France will introduce the La Première cabin on its daily flights to Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Tel Aviv starting in 2025 and 2026. This marks a significant milestone in Air France’s strategy to cater to high-net-worth individuals and business executives traveling between Europe and North America.

The La Première cabins on these flights will be available on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, known for their spacious seating and luxurious interiors. These aircraft will provide travelers with an unparalleled in-flight experience, from gourmet French cuisine prepared by renowned chefs to personalized attention from the flight crew.

Where Will La Première Be Available?

Air France is expanding its La Première service to the following key destinations, with the launch dates outlined below:

1. Tel Aviv (TLV): Air France will introduce La Première flights to Tel Aviv starting December 15, 2025. The daily flights will be as follows:
   • AF962: Departs Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 8:55 a.m., arriving in Tel Aviv at 2:10 p.m.
   • AF963: Departs Tel Aviv at 3:55 p.m., arriving in Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 7:40 p.m.
2. Atlanta (ATL): Starting March 29, 2026, Air France will operate daily flights with La Première on this route:
   • AF030: Departs Paris at 10:30 a.m., arriving in Atlanta at 1:55 p.m.
   • AF031: Departs Atlanta at 4:30 p.m., arriving in Paris at 6:50 a.m. the next day.
3. Boston (BOS): The La Première service to Boston will begin on July 20, 2026, with the following schedule:
   • AF334: Departs Paris at 1:10 p.m., arriving in Boston at 2:55 p.m.
   • AF333: Departs Boston at 5:10 p.m., arriving in Paris at 6:10 a.m. the following day.
4. Houston (IAH): Starting July 6, 2026, Air France will offer daily La Première flights to Houston, with the following flight schedule:
   • AF098: Departs Paris at 10:10 a.m., arriving in Houston at 1:40 p.m.
   • AF099: Departs Houston at 3:55 p.m., arriving in Paris at 8:15 a.m. the following day.

Why Is This Expansion Important for Air France?

This expansion is a strategic move by Air France to cater to the growing demand for luxury travel, particularly on routes between Europe, North America, and Israel. As international travel rebounds and premium passengers seek more exclusive and comfortable flying options, Air France is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the high-end market.

By offering La Première service on these high-demand routes, Air France is making a direct bid for business travelers, celebrities, and other high-net-worth individuals who prioritize luxury, exclusivity, and personalized service. The La Première product is also seen as a way for the airline to strengthen its competitive position against rivals like Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and EL AL Israel Airlines, all of which are focusing on premium services in the same markets.

How Does Air France Compare to Competitors Like Delta?

While Air France is expanding its La Première service to these key cities, other major airlines are also ramping up their premium offerings on the same routes. Delta Air Lines, for example, is focusing on increasing its presence in Tel Aviv, Atlanta, Boston, and Houston, with premium cabins like Delta One (featuring lie-flat suites) and Delta Premium Select. Delta is also resuming non-stop service to Tel Aviv starting April 2026, and expanding its premium cabin offerings between Boston and Tel Aviv by October 2026.

Similarly, EL AL Israel Airlines has maintained premium services on its flights from Boston to Tel Aviv, offering Business Class and Premium Class on select routes. Furthermore, JetBlue Airways is also stepping up its premium services, launching Mint cabins on routes like Boston to Barcelona and Boston to Milan in 2026.

While Delta and other airlines are focusing on strengthening their premium cabins, Air France‘s La Première service offers a distinct advantage in terms of exclusivity, with private suites, high-end dining, and a full-service luxury experience. This gives Air France a unique edge in attracting those seeking the best in aviation comfort.

When Will the New La Première Services Begin?

The new La Première services to Tel Aviv, Atlanta, Boston, and Houston will begin on the following dates:

• Tel Aviv: December 15, 2025
• Atlanta: March 29, 2026
• Boston: July 20, 2026
• Houston: July 6, 2026

These dates ensure that Air France will be able to meet the demand for premium services on these popular routes during peak travel seasons, including the summer of 2026.

How Does Air France’s Expansion Impact the Premium Market?

The expansion of La Première to these four new cities signifies a significant shift in the luxury air travel market, with more airlines catering to high-end customers who seek comfort, privacy, and top-tier service. As airlines like Air France and Delta battle for dominance in the luxury cabin space, travelers will benefit from increased options, improved service offerings, and enhanced experiences.

The La Première service also plays a key role in boosting Air France’s image as a premium carrier, offering passengers the finest in luxury while strengthening its competitive standing on key transatlantic and Middle Eastern routes. This expansion is a reflection of the airline’s commitment to providing high-quality services to business and leisure travelers alike.

Conclusion

Air France’s expansion of its La Première service to Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Tel Aviv in 2025 and 2026 marks a new chapter in the airline’s strategy to cater to the growing demand for luxury travel. By offering unparalleled comfort and exclusive service, Air France is positioning itself as a leader in the premium air travel market, competing head-to-head with major players like Delta Air Lines and Emirates.

As the airline continues to expand its La Première network, it will no doubt attract a new generation of travelers seeking a superior flying experience. The battle for the high-end market is far from over, but Air France’s expansion into these high-demand cities ensures it remains a major contender in the luxury travel space.