On September 1, 2025, Air France revealed its newly refurbished Embraer 190 aircraft, marking a significant step in modernizing its short- and medium-haul network. The inaugural flight of the upgraded aircraft took off from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Hamburg, offering passengers a first look at a travel experience designed for comfort, technology, and sustainability. This milestone reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to innovation and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Comfortable and Spacious Cabin Design
The redesigned Embraer 190 cabin delivers a more enjoyable journey for every traveler. The aircraft features 110 sleek leather-upholstered seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration, ensuring no middle seats and extra space for passengers. Each seat is carefully designed with ergonomic foam padding to provide maximum comfort during short and medium-haul flights, with adjustable headrests and the ability to recline up to three inches.
Additional thoughtful touches make the cabin even more functional. Foldable armrests, larger tray tables, and dedicated coat hooks give travelers practical solutions for their personal space needs. Under-seat storage has been optimized to make it easier for passengers to store bags, laptops, or personal items during their flight.
Technology and Connectivity for the Modern Traveler
In response to growing passenger demand for in-flight connectivity, Air France has integrated advanced technology throughout the cabin. Each seat comes with a retractable stand designed to securely hold smartphones or tablets, allowing travelers to watch entertainment, catch up on work, or stay connected during the flight.
Both USB-A and USB-C ports are available at every seat, enabling passengers to charge their devices efficiently, including tablets and laptops. On top of this, the upgraded Embraer 190 offers fast onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless digital experience from takeoff to landing.
Sustainability at the Core
Beyond comfort and technology, the revamped cabin highlights Air France’s dedication to sustainable aviation. The new seats, developed using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum, are not only stylish and durable but also significantly lighter than previous models.
This weight reduction helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces overall CO₂ emissions, aligning with the airline’s broader commitment to a greener future. The interior also embraces a sophisticated design with subtle Parisian-inspired elements, such as refined stitching and a herringbone-patterned carpet, creating a modern yet welcoming atmosphere onboard.
Enhanced Business Class Experience
For passengers flying in business class, Air France has introduced exclusive features to create a more private and serene environment. The front section of the cabin is separated from economy by a mobile curtain, offering an extra layer of privacy.
Starting in October 2025, business class travelers will also benefit from an adjacent empty seat policy, giving them more personal space and comfort. These upgrades cater particularly to corporate travelers and passengers seeking a premium travel experience on regional routes.
Fleet-Wide Retrofit by Summer 2026
Air France’s investment in the Embraer 190 upgrade does not stop with a single aircraft. The airline has announced plans to retrofit its entire fleet of Embraer 190 aircraft by summer 2026.
This ambitious project ensures that passengers across Europe will enjoy the same high standard of comfort, technology, and sustainability, regardless of their route. By standardizing the onboard experience, Air France is strengthening its position as a leader in regional air travel.
Blending Elegance with Innovation
The cabin’s interior design seamlessly blends elegance with modern practicality. The color palette reflects Air France’s signature aesthetic of deep blue tones with subtle red and white accents, creating a refined yet approachable look.
Attention to detail is evident in every element, from the premium stitching on the headrests to the sophisticated cabin lighting that enhances the onboard ambiance. This thoughtful design ensures that every journey feels both stylish and comfortable, no matter the distance.
Commitment to Passenger Experience and Sustainability
This upgrade goes far beyond visual appeal—it represents Air France’s dedication to evolving alongside passenger expectations. Today’s travelers seek efficiency, convenience, and sustainability, even on shorter flights. The new Embraer 190 cabin delivers on all these fronts, offering a travel experience that is both luxurious and responsible.
By investing in lighter materials, integrating modern technology, and focusing on passenger well-being, Air France is setting a new standard for regional travel in Europe. The combination of eco-friendly innovation and elevated comfort reflects the airline’s vision for the future of air travel.
Looking Ahead
As the rollout of the new cabins continues through 2026, passengers on Air France’s short and medium-haul routes can look forward to consistently improved journeys. Whether traveling for business or leisure, every flight will now offer a balance of comfort, convenience, and sustainability.
With these advancements, Air France is not only redefining the regional flying experience but also reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class service while actively contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
