Mar 12, 2018, 1:46 pm
Last edit by: Goldorak
This wikipost presents an updated summary of AF configurations and plans for deliveries and retrofitting the long-haul fleet with new J (and W) seats. For more details, please refer to the thread below
Last update on 15 JUL 2025
All the long-haul fleet is equipped with lie-flat seats in J. All the long-haul fleet is in 1-2-1 configuration in J with direct aisle access, with the exception of the A332 which are in 2-2-2 configuration.
B772
21 planes, all B772 with the BEST cabins (Zodiac Cirrus seat). A refit programme is nearing completion to standardise the 772 fleet with a 28J 32W 268M configuration, with the final frames in the hanger for refurbishment
- J seating is 1-2-1
- W seat is a hard-shell seat (the 1st generation of W seats installed by AF)
- Seating Config: C28W32Y268
B77W
4P Version with "Old" P (19 planes out of 43 77W : F-GSQA, F-GSQB, F-GSQC, F-GSQF, F-GSQG, F-GSQH, F-GSQI, F-GSQJ, F-GSQK, F-GSQL, F-GSQM, F-GSQU, F-GSQV, F-GSQY, F-GZNA, F-GZNB, F-GZNC, F-GZND, and F-GZNE)Last update on 15 JUL 2025
All the long-haul fleet is equipped with lie-flat seats in J. All the long-haul fleet is in 1-2-1 configuration in J with direct aisle access, with the exception of the A332 which are in 2-2-2 configuration.
B772
21 planes, all B772 with the BEST cabins (Zodiac Cirrus seat). A refit programme is nearing completion to standardise the 772 fleet with a 28J 32W 268M configuration, with the final frames in the hanger for refurbishment
- J seating is 1-2-1
- W seat is a hard-shell seat (the 1st generation of W seats installed by AF)
- Seating Config: C28W32Y268
B77W
- J seating is 1-2-1 (Zodiac Cirrus seat), aka BEST cabin, same as B772
- W seat is a hard-shell seat (the 1st generation of W seats installed by AF)
- Seating config: F4C58W28Y206
4P Version with "New" P (3 planes : F-GZNK, F-GZNP, F-GZNQ).
[F-GZND arrived @ ORY 08 APR for mods]
- New La Premier cabin with chaise lounge
- New J seat: Safran Cirrus 5C03 suites with a door in a 1-2-1 configuration
- W seat: Recaro PL3530 seats
- Seating config: F4C60W44Y204
COI version (14J) (12 planes out of 43 B77W : F-GSQO, F-GSQP, F-GSQT, F-GSQX, F-GZNG. F-GSQS, F-GZNF, F-GSQR, F-GSQN, F-GZNO, F-GZNL and F-GZNN).
- The J seat is Zodiac Optima (same as chosen for the initial batch of A350), similar to the UA Polaris seat, in a 1-2-1 configuration
- The W seat is the same as in the B789, i.e a hard-shell seat with a very slightly improved version compared to B772 and B77W (version with P).
- Seating config: C14W28Y430
Remaining 77W (9 planes out of 43 B77W : F-GZNS, F-GZNT, F-GZNI, F-GZNR, F-GZNU, F-GZNJ, F-GZNH, F-GSQD and F-GSQE)
- These planes were the former "NEV4" ones. Retrofits started in March 2022 and were completed in June 2024.
- New J seat: Safran Cirrus 5C03 suites with a door in a 1-2-1 configuration
- W seat: Recaro PL3530 seats
- Seating config: C48W48Y273
B789
- Ten planes have been delivered to AF (F-HRBA to F-HRBJ). No further deliveries are planned for AF (the initial order was for 15 frames, but the 5 remaining ones have been assigned to KL).
- J seat is BEST cabins (Zodiac Cirrus seat, slightly smaller than the 777 one, due to fuselage width limitation). The main difference with the B777 is the smaller tablet.
- J seating is 1-2-1
- The W seat is a hard-shell seat with a very slightly improved version compared to B772 and B77W (version with P).
- Seating config: C30W21Y228
A332
- As of 11/2025, only 7 planes remain in service (F-GZCA/F/G/K/M/N/O), but F & N are not flying at the moment, so only 5 are active. They are mostly flying to SXM, BLR, BEY, and some Africa routes (LAD, PNR, BZV, LFW).
- J seating is 2-2-2, with the Stelia Equinoxe seat (a similar seat can be seen in the UX B787).
- The W seat is the same as in the B789, i.e a hard-shell seat with a very slightly improved version compared to B772 and B77W (version with P).
- Seating config: C36W21Y167
A359
39 planes have been delivered as of 11/07/2025:
First batch (20): F-HTYA/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/Q/R/S/T
- J seat is Zodiac Optima, same as in B77W COI version)
- J seating is 1-2-1
- The W seat is a Recaro recliner seat.
- Seating config: C34W24Y266
Second batch (19/21): F-HUVA/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/Q/R/S/
- The new seat (Stelia Opera) is a slightly improved version of the BEST seat, with a door for privacy (similar to the one placed in the last batch of retrofitted B77W, with small differences).
- J seating is 1-2-1
- The W seat is a Recaro recliner seat.
- Seating config: C48W32Y212
RETIRED PLANE TYPES
Last plane was withdrawn in 2020.
Remaining 77W (9 planes out of 43 B77W : F-GZNS, F-GZNT, F-GZNI, F-GZNR, F-GZNU, F-GZNJ, F-GZNH, F-GSQD and F-GSQE)
- These planes were the former "NEV4" ones. Retrofits started in March 2022 and were completed in June 2024.
- New J seat: Safran Cirrus 5C03 suites with a door in a 1-2-1 configuration
- W seat: Recaro PL3530 seats
- Seating config: C48W48Y273
B789
- Ten planes have been delivered to AF (F-HRBA to F-HRBJ). No further deliveries are planned for AF (the initial order was for 15 frames, but the 5 remaining ones have been assigned to KL).
- J seat is BEST cabins (Zodiac Cirrus seat, slightly smaller than the 777 one, due to fuselage width limitation). The main difference with the B777 is the smaller tablet.
- J seating is 1-2-1
- The W seat is a hard-shell seat with a very slightly improved version compared to B772 and B77W (version with P).
- Seating config: C30W21Y228
A332
- As of 11/2025, only 7 planes remain in service (F-GZCA/F/G/K/M/N/O), but F & N are not flying at the moment, so only 5 are active. They are mostly flying to SXM, BLR, BEY, and some Africa routes (LAD, PNR, BZV, LFW).
- J seating is 2-2-2, with the Stelia Equinoxe seat (a similar seat can be seen in the UX B787).
- The W seat is the same as in the B789, i.e a hard-shell seat with a very slightly improved version compared to B772 and B77W (version with P).
- Seating config: C36W21Y167
A359
39 planes have been delivered as of 11/07/2025:
First batch (20): F-HTYA/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/Q/R/S/T
- J seat is Zodiac Optima, same as in B77W COI version)
- J seating is 1-2-1
- The W seat is a Recaro recliner seat.
- Seating config: C34W24Y266
Second batch (19/21): F-HUVA/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/Q/R/S/
- The new seat (Stelia Opera) is a slightly improved version of the BEST seat, with a door for privacy (similar to the one placed in the last batch of retrofitted B77W, with small differences).
- J seating is 1-2-1
- The W seat is a Recaro recliner seat.
- Seating config: C48W32Y212
RETIRED PLANE TYPES
A343
Last plane was withdrawn in 2021.
A388Last plane was withdrawn in 2020.
updated information about new J seats deployments and other information
Jul 2, 2018 | 10:00 am
#76
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Paris
Programs: FB Platinum for Life, QR Gold
Posts: 626
Does anyone have any idea about how often they change a flight that is scheduled to have the new seats to the old configuration for flights that fly out of LAX specifically?
I've been reading a lot of posts around here talking about those changes happening and it's making me think I'd be better off choosing another airline.
I've been reading a lot of posts around here talking about those changes happening and it's making me think I'd be better off choosing another airline.
Jul 2, 2018 | 2:51 pm
#77
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 24,956
Does anyone have any idea about how often they change a flight that is scheduled to have the new seats to the old configuration for flights that fly out of LAX specifically?
I've been reading a lot of posts around here talking about those changes happening and it's making me think I'd be better off choosing another airline.
I've been reading a lot of posts around here talking about those changes happening and it's making me think I'd be better off choosing another airline.
Jul 2, 2018 | 4:46 pm
#78
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 22
Jul 3, 2018 | 10:16 am
#79
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Paris
Programs: FB Platinum for Life, QR Gold
Posts: 626
twice last year i got the plane changed 2/3 months before the flight from BEST to non BEST seats. The plane change only occured on 2 or 3 days during.i guess i just got unlucky.
Jul 3, 2018 | 11:10 am
#80
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SJC / SFO
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum For Life; Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 921
Jul 3, 2018 | 2:44 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Paris
Programs: FB Platinum for Life, QR Gold
Posts: 626
Jul 20, 2018 | 1:03 am
#82
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Paris, France
Programs: Marriott LTT+Amb., BA GGL, Flying Blue LTP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 21
Does anyone have any idea about how often they change a flight that is scheduled to have the new seats to the old configuration for flights that fly out of LAX specifically?
I've been reading a lot of posts around here talking about those changes happening and it's making me think I'd be better off choosing another airline.
I've been reading a lot of posts around here talking about those changes happening and it's making me think I'd be better off choosing another airline.
In november 2014 (a long time ago, I recon) I did book a trip from Paris to JFK with AF new Bz seats. On both legs (From Paris and from JFK), they "changed" the plane 2 hours before takeoff. After research on the web, I discovered that they probably knew month in advance there would be a plane changed - They had only one retrofit plane and they were selling it on many different routes. Anyway, this convinced me to wait the whole fleet to be retrofited to book BZ with AF on longhaul flights. Now you'll probably be more lucky than I was.
Jul 20, 2018 | 1:59 am
#83
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Etoile, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 8,903
I don't trust them anymore.
In november 2014 (a long time ago, I recon) I did book a trip from Paris to JFK with AF new Bz seats. On both legs (From Paris and from JFK), they "changed" the plane 2 hours before takeoff. After research on the web, I discovered that they probably knew month in advance there would be a plane changed - They had only one retrofit plane and they were selling it on many different routes. Anyway, this convinced me to wait the whole fleet to be retrofited to book BZ with AF on longhaul flights. Now you'll probably be more lucky than I was.
In november 2014 (a long time ago, I recon) I did book a trip from Paris to JFK with AF new Bz seats. On both legs (From Paris and from JFK), they "changed" the plane 2 hours before takeoff. After research on the web, I discovered that they probably knew month in advance there would be a plane changed - They had only one retrofit plane and they were selling it on many different routes. Anyway, this convinced me to wait the whole fleet to be retrofited to book BZ with AF on longhaul flights. Now you'll probably be more lucky than I was.
Now things are simple:
- if it's a 777-200ER - it's new business class (there are no more old business seats in the 772 fleet)
- if it's a 777-300ER with First Class cabin - it's new business class (there are no more old business seats in the 77W with P fleet)
- if it's a 787-900 - it's new business class (all 789s were delivered with new J seat)
- if it's any other plane - it's old business class
There are routes where they make changes for given periods of time, and they do indeed know months in advance. For instance AF 008 during the summer months sees a 789 instead of a 77W (not a problem in this case, as both have the new J seats). But when they do know, they'll put that in the schedules and you'll know about it.
Refusing to fly AF in 2018 because you have had a plane substitution in 2014 is a bit like refusing to take the train because you don't like the smell of steam locomotives. Things do evolve.
Jul 21, 2018 | 3:36 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold/OW emerald, QR
Posts: 16,963
I fully agree.
But if you book for leisure two or three months ahead, you do run the risk of an aircraft schedule change.
Loads in J/Y can also be a factor for ac substitution some weeks or even days ahead.
With roughly half the fleet with old seats, the risk is not high but not negligible and too much for me.
But if you book for leisure two or three months ahead, you do run the risk of an aircraft schedule change.
Loads in J/Y can also be a factor for ac substitution some weeks or even days ahead.
With roughly half the fleet with old seats, the risk is not high but not negligible and too much for me.
Jul 21, 2018 | 4:37 am
#85
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 191
You do realise that your experience from 2014 is ridiculously irrelevant for what is happening in 2018? In 2014 they were in the middle of the refurbishment programme, where for any given variant of the 777 you could have had the new or the old J seat.
Now things are simple:
There are routes where they make changes for given periods of time, and they do indeed know months in advance. For instance AF 008 during the summer months sees a 789 instead of a 77W (not a problem in this case, as both have the new J seats). But when they do know, they'll put that in the schedules and you'll know about it.
Refusing to fly AF in 2018 because you have had a plane substitution in 2014 is a bit like refusing to take the train because you don't like the smell of steam locomotives. Things do evolve.
Now things are simple:
- if it's a 777-200ER - it's new business class (there are no more old business seats in the 772 fleet)
- if it's a 777-300ER with First Class cabin - it's new business class (there are no more old business seats in the 77W with P fleet)
- if it's a 787-900 - it's new business class (all 789s were delivered with new J seat)
- if it's any other plane - it's old business class
There are routes where they make changes for given periods of time, and they do indeed know months in advance. For instance AF 008 during the summer months sees a 789 instead of a 77W (not a problem in this case, as both have the new J seats). But when they do know, they'll put that in the schedules and you'll know about it.
Refusing to fly AF in 2018 because you have had a plane substitution in 2014 is a bit like refusing to take the train because you don't like the smell of steam locomotives. Things do evolve.
Recently I moved 2 AF trips in P for Emirates since the planes were changed for an old cabin ones with no P. I was notified over a month before departure.
One weakness of AF is indeed that at time of booking you don't know for sure what cabin you will be flying in. The price remains the same but the level of comfort is significantly different.
This cabin upgrade program has been lasting forever and it is annoying to have no consistency on the level of comfort. My opinion: either you execute a plan or you dont. But not stop half way.
Last point, I flew 777 COI in April and it was the old cabin. Are you saying they all have been upgraded now?
Cheers.
Jul 21, 2018 | 8:01 am
#86
Join Date: May 2009
Location: AMS
Posts: 2,544
Recently I moved 2 AF trips in P for Emirates since the planes were changed for an old cabin ones with no P. I was notified over a month before departure.
One weakness of AF is indeed that at time of booking you don't know for sure what cabin you will be flying in. The price remains the same but the level of comfort is significantly different.
This cabin upgrade program has been lasting forever and it is annoying to have no consistency on the level of comfort. My opinion: either you execute a plan or you don’t. But not stop half way.
One weakness of AF is indeed that at time of booking you don't know for sure what cabin you will be flying in. The price remains the same but the level of comfort is significantly different.
This cabin upgrade program has been lasting forever and it is annoying to have no consistency on the level of comfort. My opinion: either you execute a plan or you don’t. But not stop half way.
Last point, I flew 777 COI in April and it was the old cabin. Are you saying they all have been upgraded now?
Last edited by CyBeR; Jul 21, 2018 at 10:44 am
Jul 22, 2018 | 4:04 am
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold/OW emerald, QR
Posts: 16,963
Recently I moved 2 AF trips in P for Emirates since the planes were changed for an old cabin ones with no P. I was notified over a month before departure.
One weakness of AF is indeed that at time of booking you don't know for sure what cabin you will be flying in. The price remains the same but the level of comfort is significantly different.
This cabin upgrade program has been lasting forever and it is annoying to have no consistency on the level of comfort. My opinion: either you execute a plan or you dont. But not stop half way.
Last point, I flew 777 COI in April and it was the old cabin. Are you saying they all have been upgraded now?
Cheers.
One weakness of AF is indeed that at time of booking you don't know for sure what cabin you will be flying in. The price remains the same but the level of comfort is significantly different.
This cabin upgrade program has been lasting forever and it is annoying to have no consistency on the level of comfort. My opinion: either you execute a plan or you dont. But not stop half way.
Last point, I flew 777 COI in April and it was the old cabin. Are you saying they all have been upgraded now?
Cheers.
Jul 22, 2018 | 2:32 pm
#88
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Paris, France
Programs: El Al Matmid, Air France Flying Blue Silver
Posts: 2,365
I remember that in 2016, the Loisirs 777s had either the Panasonic IFE system or the BEST IFE in Y, except F-GSQD which still had the antiquated IFE with very small PTVs. Is it still the case, or has GSQD finally got new IFE in Y?
