Air France and Stelia Reimagine Business-Class Travel with Luxurious Double Bed Seating for Long-Haul Comfort

Poalua, April 15, 2025

Air France is revolutionizing premium air travel through its partnership with French seatmaker Stelia, unveiling the Rendez-vous business-class concept that features luxurious double bed pods designed for couples and high-end travelers. This innovative layout allows two passengers to transform their adjacent lie-flat seats into a private double bed in the sky, complete with sliding doors, extra shoulder room, seat temperature controls, and ample storage—features typically associated with first-class suites. As global airlines shift their focus from traditional first-class offerings to more opulent business-class experiences, Air France’s embrace of Rendez-Vous signals a bold move to redefine how travelers experience long-haul luxury, comfort, and intimacy in the skies.

Stelia Reveals Double Bed Business-Class Seats as Airlines Shift Focus from First to Premium Comfort

The company behind Air France’s extravagant La Première suite is back in the spotlight—this time unveiling a revolutionary business-class concept designed for two passengers to share a true double bed in the sky.

At a recent unveiling in Germany, French aircraft seating manufacturer Stelia introduced its latest creation: Rendez-vous, a premium seating concept that blends the luxury of first class with the practicality of business class. The design aims to provide exceptional space for movement, stretching, and relaxation, typically reserved for high-end first-class travelers.

Business Class Gets Cozy with the ‘Honeymoon’ Setup

The highlight of Rendez-Vous is its romantic “honeymoon” configuration. With the push of a few controls, two adjacent lie-flat seats transform into a full-fledged double bed. The central privacy divider can be removed, and sliding doors can be shut to create a private cocoon for couples or travel companions.

Passengers will also find thoughtful amenities such as temperature-adjustable seating, ample storage compartments, and enhanced shoulder room—thanks to a unique recessed seating design. This setup is perfect for long-haul flights, offering a first-class-like experience without the dedicated cabin.

A New Frontier for Business Class

Although Rendez-Vous is certainly luxurious, it’s not aiming to dethrone Air France’s La Première cabin, which made its debut on a recent Paris–New York route. That first-class suite boasts an impressive 38 square feet of space, dual 32-inch 4K screens, tablet-powered controls, and two separate seating areas—a plush armchair and a lie-flat bed complete with high-end linens and gourmet service.

Still, Stelia’s business-class innovation reflects a broader trend: Airlines are shifting their premium investments away from full first-class cabins and channeling them into elevated business-class offerings. This strategy is largely driven by economics—first class requires more space and yields less revenue compared to fully booked business-class cabins.

Airlines Worldwide Elevate Business-Class Standards

American Airlines, for example, is phasing out its Flagship First seating to make room for an expanded business-class layout. But it’s not just about quantity—quality is rising too. American plans to introduce business-class suites with full privacy doors, a feature that just a decade ago would’ve been considered rare even in first class.

The global trend isn’t limited to U.S. carriers. Japan’s All Nippon Airways impressed travelers with its spacious business-class product, ka Room, while Qatar Airways continues to set industry benchmarks with its award-winning Qsuite.

Today’s premium travelers expect more than just a flat bed. Airlines are racing to incorporate high-tech inflight entertainment systems, ultra-private layouts, and seamless access to upscale airport lounges like Delta’s Delta One Lounges launched in major U.S. airports.

Business Plus and Boutique First-Class Suites on the Rise

While first-class cabins are disappearing on many routes, the appetite for ultra-luxury hasn’t vanished. Instead, airlines are offering premium front-row business-class seats with first-class amenities—often referred to as “business-plus.” Stelia says demand for these extra-spacious seats is growing. ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, recently outfitted its Airbus A320-family aircraft with a business-plus setup showcasing this trend.

JetBlue has been ahead of the curve with its Mint Studios, offering extra space and privacy in the front row of its Mint cabin. Similarly, Lufthansa’s Allegris suite and Japan Airlines’ latest A350-1000 product offer ultra-premium experiences to a select few flyers.

In Air France’s La Première cabin, luxury goes beyond seating. Think exclusive menus featuring caviar and Champagne, high-end turn-down service, and premium French linens—all available to just a handful of lucky travelers per flight.

The Future of Premium Travel Is Hybrid Luxury

According to Stelia, the future of premium air travel will blend the best of both worlds—business-class efficiency with first-class indulgence. As airlines compete for high-paying customers and elite points redeemers, we can expect to see more innovations like Rendez-Vous hit the skies.

Air France is transforming long-haul travel with Stelia’s innovative Rendez-Vous seating, bringing first-class luxury to business-class passengers.

Whether travelers are paying in cash or cashing in miles, the demand for ultra-comfortable, flexible, and intimate business-class options is soaring—and manufacturers like Stelia are ready to deliver.