Category Archives: Air France

Air France confirms order for four Airbus A350F freighters

Air France-KLM has finalized its order with Airbus for four new generation A350F freighters, following the earlier commitment announced in December 2021. The freighters are destined to  increase Air France’s cargo capacity with the most efficient and sustainable cargo aircraft available in the market.

The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimized for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 over its current closest competitor. With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.

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Air France to serve close to 200 destinations in summer 2022

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Air France has finalized its 2022 summer schedule:

Air France suspends its flights to Kyiv

Air France suspended its flight to Kyiv, Ukraine starting today.

Air France to reopen its Paris Orly – New York JFK, Paris CDG – Dallas/Fort Worth and CDG – Denver routes

Air France Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner F-HRBF (msn 42488) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 956683.

Air France has made this announcement:

  • Resumption of flights between Paris-Orly and New York-JFK, and between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Resumption of seasonal service to Denver (Colorado) initially launched in summer 2021
  • 14 destinations served in summer 2022 with close to 200 weekly flights, 20% more than during summer 2019

Since the reopening of US borders in November 2021, Air France has been gradually increasing its service to the United States, the airline’s leading long-haul destination in terms of seat capacity.

Air France currently serves 11 US destinations (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (O’Hare), Detroit, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Seattle/Tacoma, San Francisco and Washington (Dulles)), with capacity between France and the United States corresponding to 90% of 2019 levels.

For the summer 2022 season (April – October), Air France plans to continue to increase capacity on US routes. As of 27 March 2022, the company will resume flights between Paris-Orly and New York JFK, with 1 daily flight. New York will thus be served by two Paris airports; Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France’s international hub, and Paris-Orly, with a total of up to 7 daily flights.

On the same day, the airline will resume flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Dallas/Fort Worth (Texas), with up to 5 weekly flights.

Finally on May 4, 2022, Air France will start operating a seasonal service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Denver (Colorado) for the second year running, with 3 weekly flights operated.

Air France will therefore serve 14 destinations in the United States on departure from Paris this summer – Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York JFK, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma and Washington D.C, with close to 200 weekly flights, 20% more than during summer 2019.

Frequencies, operating days, flight schedules and fares can be consulted on airfrance.com.

This flight schedule is subject to change according to travel restrictions.

 

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“Ready To Fly” service now available on all flights to and from the US

In July 2021, Air France launched “Ready To Fly”, a free and optional service allowing customers to request and receive confirmation that they have all the health documents required for their trip before going to the airport. This service provides customers greater peace of mind and a smoother boarding process, by avoiding multiple checks on the day of departure.

Popular with customers, Ready To Fly is being progressively deployed throughout the Air France network. It is currently available on more than 140 routes on departure from 80 airports, representing more than 600 daily flights including all flights to and from the United States.

Top Copyright Photo: Air France Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner F-HRBF (msn 42488) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 956683.

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Air France to serve Quebec City

Air France is expanding its services to Canada, the airline’s second largest long-haul market in seats offered.

Effective on May 17, 2022, Air France will fly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights will be operated by Airbus A330-200 equipped with the new travel cabins, with a capacity of 224 seats (36 in Business, 21 in Premium Economy and 167 in Economy).


Flight schedules (in local time):

AF0352: Leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:10, arrives in Quebec City at 14:40
AF0353: Leaves Quebec City at 17:00, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle the following day at 05:45

This new nonstop route is in addition to Air France’s daily bus service linking Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport to Quebec City, which is available free of charge to all customers connecting from an Air France flight.

This flight schedule is subject to change depending on travel restrictions. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Air France has been adjusting its services in real time, taking the changing health situation into account. Before traveling, Air France invites its customers to check the travel restrictions and the documents required on arrival at their destination.

Air France-KLM orders 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft

Another blow to Boeing. Air France-KLM issued this statement:

On December 16, 2021, the Air France-KLM Board of Directors made the decision to move forward on the Group’s goal to improve its economic and environmental performance through the introduction of next generation aircraft. In doing so, the Group also demonstrated its ability to leverage purchasing synergies.

1. Firm order for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft – with purchase rights for 60 additional aircraft, to renew the fleets of KLM and Transavia Netherlands, and to renew and expand the fleet of Transavia France.

The order covers Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft. The first deliveries are expected in the second half of 2023.

Benefiting from the latest technological innovations, the A320neo family aircraft offer the best performance in their category for the network needs of the Group’s airlines. Compared to previous generation aircraft, they offer a unit cost reduction of more than 10%, as well as a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Their noise footprint is also 50% lower.

Fleet renewal is the first lever to cut CO2 emissions, with immediate effect. Alongside the use of sustainable aviation fuels and eco-piloting, it is one of the pillars of the Group’s decarbonization trajectory, which aims for net zero emissions by 2050, and -50% CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030, i.e. -15% in absolute terms.

These aircraft will operate medium-haul routes in Europe, notably from Amsterdam-Schiphol – KLM’s global hub and Transavia Netherlands’ main base, and from Paris-Orly, Transavia France’s main base.

Details of the cabin configuration will be announced at a later date.

2. Signature of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of 4 Airbus A350F Full Freighter aircraft – with purchase rights for 4 additional aircraft, to increase cargo capacity at Air France.

In the context of a steady and sustainable growth of demand for air cargo, this order would increase Air France-KLM’s cargo capacity.

Air France-KLM would be among the launch operators of the A350F Full Freighter.

This order would come with full substitution rights to Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, which constitute the new spearhead of the Air France long-haul fleet. The airline currently operates 12 of the 38 aircraft of the type on order.

Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, said: These evolutionary orders will position our Group airlines on the path to improved performance while accelerating our decarbonization trajectory. This is a major step forward for KLM, Transavia and Air France, which will operate the best aircraft available for their network needs. The outstanding performances of the A320neo family and of the A350F Full-Freighter, which are quieter, more fuel-efficient and more cost-effective aircraft, make them the best choices for the long-term growth of our fleet. They will be instrumental in reaching our ambitious targets, including zero net CO2 emissions by 2050.”

As of December 15, 2021, Air France-KLM operated a fleet of 502 aircraft to over 300 destinations worldwide.

Air France’s new Airbus A220-300 enters service

"Le Bourget", 1st A220, delivered September 28, 2021

Air France made this announcement:

  • First commercial flights to Berlin and Venice, then Barcelona, Madrid and Milan to follow in the next few days;
  • The highest level of comfort in the Business and Economy cabins;
  • The Airbus A220-300, a major asset for improving Air France’s economic and environmental performance: cost per seat reduced by 10%, 20% less CO2 emissions and 34% less noise emissions.

On October 31, 2021, Air France’s Airbus A220-300 welcomed its very first customers, with two flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Berlin (Germany) and Venice (Italy). These flights were operated by the Airbus A220-300 “Le Bourget”, which was delivered to the airline at the end of September and is the first of 60 aircraft ordered by Air France to progressively replace its Airbus A318s, A319s and some A320s by the end of 2025.

Over the next few days, the Airbus A220-300 will be rolled out on routes to Barcelona and Madrid (November 1), as well as Milan-Linate (November 6). During the 2021-2022 winter season, the aircraft will gradually expand its network to Bologna, Rome (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal) and Copenhagen (Denmark) as new aircraft are delivered.

The highest level of in-flight comfort

The Air France Airbus A220-300 has 148 seats, in a 3-2 seat configuration (5 seats across) offering 80% of customers a window or aisle seat. Up to eight rows at the front of the aircraft can be dedicated to Business class customers, who have an empty seat next to them and enjoy priority boarding and deplaning.

Its leather reclining seats – the widest on the market at 48 cm – are equipped with USB A and C sockets, a solid tray table, a cup holder and a tablet or smartphone holder integrated into the backrest.

The aircraft is equipped with the latest innovations, with large panoramic windows, mood lighting to accompany the different phases of the flight, and spacious baggage compartments for easier access. It is equipped with Air France Connect, the airline’s Wi-Fi offer, which is accessible throughout the flight and offers three passes, including one that is free of charge for sending and receiving messages during the flight.

The catering offer is adapted to the flight time and depends on the time of departure. In the Business cabin, each customer is served a generous breakfast or cold meal signed by François Adamski, Servair corporate chef, Meilleur ouvrier de France and Bocuse d’or. A range of wines and champagnes chosen by Paolo Basso, world’s best sommelier in 2013, and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks complete the package. In the Economy cabin, biscuits or sandwiches including a vegetarian choice are available. A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is also available.

A latest-generation aircraft to enhance Air France’s performance

The latest jewel in Air France’s medium-haul fleet, the Airbus A220-300 is the most innovative and efficient single-aisle aircraft in its category. It embodies Air France’s commitment to improving its economic and environmental performance, with a cost reduction per seat of 10% compared to the aircraft it replaces and unrivalled energy performance, a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 34% reduced noise footprint.

These characteristics will play a decisive role in reducing Air France’s environmental footprint and achieving its sustainable development objectives. By 2030, the airline will have reduced its overall CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 50% compared to 2005, or 15% in absolute terms. Air France is also committed to working with all its stakeholders and the public authorities to achieve the climate target of zero net CO2 emissions by 2050.

The renewal of the fleet is the main source of decarbonization available in the short term. Air France invests 1 billion euros every year to integrate the latest generation aircraft, Airbus A350-900 on long-haul routes and Airbus A220-300 on short and medium-haul routes, with a reduction in CO2 emissions of between 20 and 25%.

Top Copyright Photo: Air France Airbus A220-300 (CS300) F-HZUA (msn 55134) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 955707.

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Air France-KLM loses 192 million euros in the third quarter

Air France-KLM has made this announcement:

Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offer four weekly designated Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights to Singapore

Air France and KLM issued this report:

As of October 21, 2021, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer quarantine-free travel with designated Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights to Singapore from Paris and Amsterdam.

  • As of October 21, 2021, Air France will offer two weekly designated VTL flights from Paris-CDG every Thursday and Saturday until October 31, 2021, and as of November 1, 2021, every Friday and Sunday.
  • As of November 1, 2021, KLM will offer two weekly designated VTL flights from Amsterdam every Monday and Saturday.

Through its hubs, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, Air France and KLM will tap into their complementary network and offer four weekly designated VTL flights and six weekly non-designated VTL flights to Singapore.

For details on VTL flight conditions, please visit Safe Travel Website

Roland Coppens, General Manager Air France KLM South East Asia and Oceania commented,

“We fully understand that people want to travel and reconnect with family and friends, and we are excited to resume leisure and business travel to Singapore. Air France and KLM have created a complementary network with four weekly designated VTL flights to Singapore, as well as six non-designated VTL flights from Paris and AmsterdamWith our extensive Air France KLM network, we are able to connect many VTL countries via our dual hubs in Paris and Amsterdam, with flexible ticket conditions.”

Air France flight schedule from Paris to Singapore

Schedule

Flight Number

Day

Departure

Arrival

Aircraft

21 October 2021
to 31 October 2021

AF208

Tuesday

21:05

15:55+1

B787

AF256 (VTL)

Thursday Saturday

01 November 2021 to 26 March 2022

AF208

Tuesday

21:00

16:35+1

AF256 (VTL)

Friday

Sunday

  • Note : Flight AF256 on Tuesday 04 January 2022 will be exceptionally operated as a VTL flight

Air France flights to Singapore are operated by Boeing B787-9 with 30 seats in Business Class, 21 seats in Premium Economy and 225 seats in Economy Class.

KLM flight schedule from Amsterdam to Singapore

Schedule

Flight Number

Day

Departure

Arrival

Aircraft

21 October 2021
to 31 October 2021

KL835/KL837/KL839

Daily

21:15

15:45+1

B787/B77W

01 November 2021 to 26 March 2022

KL835/KL837/KL839

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

21:05

16:20+1

KL833 (VTL)

Monday

Saturday

KLM flights to Singapore are operated by:

  • Boeing B777-300ER (77W) with 34 seats in World Business Class, 40 seats in Economy comfort and 334 seats in Economy Class.
  • Boeing B787 with 30 seats in World Business Class, 48 seats in Economy comfort and 216 seats in Economy Class.

Historic Photo: Air France Boeing 727-228 F-BOJD (msn 19546) NCE (Christian Volpati). Image: 948583.

Experimental livery

Copyright Photo: Experimental Livery: Air France Boeing 727-228 F-BOJD (msn 19546) NCE (Christian Volpati). Image: 948583.

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