OREANDA-NEWS. July 30, 2014. Air France has been awarded two of the highest distinctions in recognition of the high quality of its La Premiere lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

The lounge has been deemed the best first-class lounge in this world. The lounge's restaurant – featuring a menu designed by chef Alain Ducasse – also won a prize for the best food selection in a first-class lounge.

These prizes were awarded to the Airline at Skytrax's World Airline Awards in London.

"I am delighted with these awards… awards we have received in recognition of all the efforts that our staff go to every day, doing all they can to deliver a service of the highest possible quality to our customers", said Frederic Gagey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air France at the awards ceremony. "This ranking demonstrates that our upselling strategy is paying off, encouraging us to continue with our efforts across all fronts – both on the ground and in the air – reaching the highest possible standards".

Every year, Skytrax publishes a highly-respected ranking of airlines and airports across the world which has become a benchmark in the industry.

An outstanding lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Air France now has a special area exclusively for passengers flying either to or from Paris-Charles de Gaulle on long-haul flights. As soon as they arrive at the airport, should they wish it, passengers are given all the assistance they need and are accompanied to the La Premiere lounge. Passengers on connecting flights travelling via Paris-Charles de Gaulle are welcomed as soon as the door of their aeroplane opens and taken to the La Premiere lounge in a special chauffeured vehicle. Air France is the only airline that offers its customers this service on a regular basis.

Design by architect Didier Lefort, the La Premiere lounge provides passengers with more than 1000 m2 in which to eat, relax, work or just rest. There is a special well-being area where they can freshen up and take advantage of the spacious shower area. They can also enjoy pampering with a personal touch at a "Biologique recherche" spa. A wide selection of newspapers, magazines and books, including some very beautiful works of art, is on offer in a library. Passengers can keep up-to-date with what's happening via wide TV screens. And French gastronomic traditions are also showcased in the lounge: a restaurant features a range of dishes and wines selected by Alain Ducasse, as well as Air France's finest vintages. There is also a bar where passengers can choose from a selection of delicious cocktails. A moment of complete relaxation in a haven of peace.