Tag Archives: Air France

Air France takes delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 and announces the first routes

Air France has announced its new 148-seat Airbus A220-300 will enter service on October 31 between the Paris (CDG) hub and Berlin.

It will then fly to Barcelona, Madrid, Bologna, Milan, Rome and Venice as well as Lisbon and Copenhagen.

The first A220-300 was delivered on September 29 and is registered as F-HZUA. The aircraft is named “Le Bourget”.

The airline issued this statement:

Air France is continuing to renew its fleet and takes delivery of the 1st of the 60 Airbus A200-300s ordered to replace its Airbus A318s and A319s, as well as several Airbus A320s;
The A220-300 is a major lever in improving Air France’s economic and environmental performance, with a cost reduction per seat of 10%, a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 34% reduced noise footprint;
Commercial flights to Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan and Venice start as from October 31.

On September 29, 2021, Air France took delivery of its first Airbus A220-300, the company’s latest jewel in the fleet on its short and medium-haul network. Since introducing the Airbus A350 on its long-haul network, the company is continuing its fleet renewal and by 2025 will have integrated the 60 A220-300s ordered in 2019 to gradually replace its Airbus A318s and A319s as well as several Airbus A320s. This order – the largest from a European customer – includes an additional mix of 30 options and 30 purchase rights.

“This new aircraft with an unparalleled energy performance represents a major asset for Air France. To date, fleet renewal is the main source of reducing CO₂ emissions, and this is why we are continuing to invest in latest-generation aircraft. We are also activating all the levers at our disposal such as sustainable fuels or eco-piloting, as part of our contribution to promoting a carbon-neutral air transport industry and positioning ourselves as a leading player of a more sustainable aviation” stated Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM.

“The arrival of a new aircraft is always a special occasion for an airline. All the Air France teams have spent over two years preparing for this moment and we are excited to see our customers discover the optimal comfort offered by this aircraft. The cabin is more spacious, brighter, and offers full Wi-Fi-connectivity, further contributing to the upmarket positioning of our offer.” added Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France.

Named “Le Bourget” in homage to the town north of Paris which is deeply linked to the aviation industry, the aircraft sports the emblematic Air France livery. It also features the winged seahorse on the front of its fuselage and on its wingtips, the symbol embodying the company’s founding myth.

As from October 31, 2021, the Airbus A220-300 will fly to Berlin (Germany), Barcelona, Madrid (Spain), Milan-Linate and Venice (Italy) from the Air France hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. During the 2021-2022 winter season, the aircraft will gradually extend its network to Bologna, Rome (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal) and Copenhagen (Denmark).

An economically and environmentally efficient aircraft

The most innovative and efficient single-aisle aircraft in its class, the Airbus A220-300 is perfectly suited to Air France’s short and medium-haul network. It provides a cost reduction per seat of 10% compared to the Airbus A318 and A319 and stands out for its energy efficiency, consuming 20% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces and its CO₂ emissions are also reduced by 20%. Its noise footprint is also 34% lower. 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 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. It offers two travel cabins, Business and Economy, and access to Air France Connect, the airline’s inflight Wi-Fi service.

The seat is the widest on the market (48 cm). It reclines to 118 degrees and has an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion for enhanced comfort. A wide solid tray table, cup holder, a pouch for storing magazines and books, individual USB A and C ports and tablet or smartphone holder integrated into the backrest complete the package.

The cabin, the most spacious and brightest in its category, is decorated in the Air France signature colors – shades of blue, a strong presence of white providing light and contrast, and a hint of red symbolize the airline’s excellence and know-how. The carpet revisits the traditional ornamental herringbone pattern, symbolizing the emblematic Haussmann-inspired world of Parisian apartments.

Large panoramic windows provide natural light for the duration of the trip. From boarding to landing, specially-adapted cabin mood lighting settings create bright, dynamic lighting for the welcome and disembarkation phases and softer lighting for a more relaxed, serene atmosphere during the flight. The spacious baggage racks are easy to access. The central aisle is particularly wide, allowing customers to move about at ease.

Finally, as on the entire Air France fleet, the air in the cabin is renewed every 3 minutes thanks to a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air)-type filter air recycling system that eliminates 99.9% of particles and viruses.

Video:

And here is the long awaited moment, the first @Airbus #A220 of #AirFrance, registered F-HZUA and named "Le Bourget" is finally unveiled!#AirFranceA220 pic.twitter.com/BjmYXGmLvb

— Air France Newsroom (@AFnewsroom) September 29, 2021

Airbus and Air France target more energy efficient flights

Airbus, Air France and DSNA, the French Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), have begun working towards the development of “most energy efficient flights”, following their inaugural demonstration flight from Paris to Toulouse Blagnac on the day of the Airbus Summit event. The aircraft flew an optimized trajectory, marking the first of a series of trials planned during 2021 and 2022 within the framework of the Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) “ALBATROSS” project.

Launched in February 2021, ALBATROSS is a large-scale initiative of major European aviation stakeholder groups led by Airbus. It aims to demonstrate, through a series of gate-to-gate live demonstration flights across Europe, the feasibility of implementing most energy efficient flights in the short term, by combining several R&D technical and operational innovations.

“ALBATROSS” follows an holistic approach by covering all flight phases, directly involving all relevant stakeholder groups (such as airlines, ANSPs, network managers, airports and industry) and addressing both operational and technological aspects of aviation and Air Traffic Management (ATM). Many solutions will be put into practice during the flight demonstrations, from new precision approach procedures to continuous climb and descent, a more dynamic management of necessary airspace constraints, sustainable taxiing and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage.

Thanks to the transmission of four-dimensional trajectory data, ATM will be able to optimize and better predict an aircraft’s trajectory, thereby enabling it to immediately and concretely reduce a flight’s environmental footprint.

Starting from September 2021, these live trials will involve around 1,000 demonstration flights, showcasing mature operational solutions with potential fuel and CO2 emission savings. First results are expected to be available in 2022.

The ALBATROSS partners are Airbus, Air France, Austro Control, DLR, DSNA, Eurocontrol, LFV, Lufthansa, Novair, Schiphol, Smart Airport Systems, SWEDAVIA, SWISS, Thales AVS France and WIZZ AIR UK.

The funding of the project is provided by the EU under the Grant Agreement No 101017678.

First Air France Airbus A320 refitted with Safran ECOS shelf bins enters service

Safran made this announcement:

The first Air France Airbus A320 retrofitted with Safran Cabin ECOS Shelf Bins and installed by Air France Industries in July 2021, returns to service with success.

The ECOS “Efficient Cabin Open Space” shelf bins offer up to 60% more storage capacity. The new luggage compartments are equipped with easy to reach doors that do not encroach into the cabin aisle and provide a lower shelf height for ease of loading and visibility. They provide an easier and smoother boarding experience, greatly reducing the time spent searching for luggage space or the need to put certain bags in the cargo hold. Aircraft turnaround times also reduce to improve efficiency and on-time performance.

The ECOS Interior is robust, lightweight, and easy to maintain. The installation of the ECOS system was extremely efficient with certification of the interior facilitated by means of FAA and EASA Supplemental Type Certification. The modification also included the installation of Movable Class Dividers supplied by Safran Cabin.

Air France is the first company to choose Safran Cabin’s ECOS “Efficient Cabin Open Space” shelf bins and they will equip in total 24 Air France Airbus A320s.

Top Copyright Photo: Air France Airbus A320-211 F-GJVW (msn 491) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 955098.

Air France aircraft slide show:

Air France unveils its new lounge designed by Jouin Manku in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Air France unveils its new lounge designed by Jouin Manku in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Air France made this announcement:

On August 19, 2021, Air France unveiled its brand new iconic lounge located in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. An invitation to celebrate the best of French-style travel, upon arrival at the airport or during transit.

Dedicated to Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members traveling on Air France’s short- and medium-haul Schengen network, this lounge is one of the airline’s largest, with a surface area of 3,000 sq. m. and 570 seats spread over two levels.

In collaboration with teams from Air France and the Group ADP, the entire space and most of the furniture were designed by the Jouin Manku agency, founded by Canadian architect Sanjit Manku and French designer Patrick Jouin. The idea of levitation and grace guided the creative duo, to offer the airline’s customers a real moment suspended in time and enjoy total relaxation before they board.

Following Charlotte Perriand, Andrée Putman and more recently Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance and Mathieu Lehanneur, Air France’s choice to associate itself with this prestigious designer once again illustrates its tradition of working with the best architects and designers of its time, to continue telling its legendary story.

A haven of peace and serenity at the heart of the airport, the lounge, with its curved features and relaxing vibe, is open, airy and uncomplicated at first glance. There is something for everyone, depending on the amount of time customers have before boarding, to rest, freshen up, work or enjoy something to eat and drink.

The materials used, including terrazzo, lava stone, wood, leather and other fabrics, have all been rigorously chosen to last over time. The furniture is solid and functional, designed to provide optimum comfort. The Air France signature colors – shades of blue, a strong presence of white and a hint of red – are highlighted, as well as the accent, the Air France brand symbol, and the winged seahorse, the company’s historical symbol, reminding us of its rich history.

Fluidity and connectivity on the ground floor

After crossing a walkway designed as a transitional entrance hall, the airline’s customers are welcomed by Air France teams at the entrance to the lounge. To ensure fluidity, kiosks allow passengers to scan their boarding pass and access the lounge directly. A left luggage area and a display cabinet offering Air France Shopping travel accessories are also available.

Customers then discover a giant sculpture linking the reception area and the lounge. This work of art, inspired by the wings of an aircraft, symbolizes flight, technology and the avant-garde. It reinforces the “cocoon” spirit that dominates the lounge.

At the heart of the lounge, a “runway view” is revealed. A huge curved window with a view of the sky and the airport runways, it dominates the entire space and lets in a northern light that illuminates the lounge, without dazzling the eye. At daybreak and at nightfall, the runway view subtly sparkles, offering warmth and comfort.

Wi-Fi is available free of charge and there are sockets for recharging mobile devices. A dedicated area for Flying Blue Ultimate customers, directly accessible from the reception area, offers a fully personalized service and has its own private lounges.

As for the catering offer, gourmet kiosks are located on each level. Tinted with a coppery champagne color, they promote the refinement and conviviality of French cuisine. The catering offer changes throughout the day. For a quick bite to eat, mini sandwiches, salads and hot quiches are available at all times. There is also a dedicated counter with pancakes in the morning, dishes of the day made by a chef at lunchtime, as well as an aperitif service. Cheeses and desserts complete this offer designed in the spirit of a French bistro. The wine list, chosen by Paolo Basso, world’s best sommelier in 2013, offers a wide selection of wines and champagnes. Finally, a vast “detox” area has a relaxing atmosphere and offers a wide range of herbal teas.

In an eco-responsible approach, Air France favors regional and seasonal products. In addition, to limit the use of single-use plastics, the airline provides its customers with water fountains throughout the lounge. It also pays particular attention to the selective sorting and recycling of all catering services.

At the heart of the lounge, a giant staircase welcomes guests and invites them to discover the upper floor and enjoy the runway view.

Upstairs, take time to recharge your batteries

Travelers with more time to spare will find relaxation areas upstairs. There is a dedicated area with large, comfortable loungers and subdued lighting to relax in a cozy atmosphere. Comfortable recliner seats also allow guests to enjoy the unique view of the runways in complete tranquillity.

A Clarins treatment area offers guests the opportunity to discover the new Traveller Spa concept. Express beauty or radiance treatments, 20-minute tailor-made facials are available to prepare for the flight. Finally, a wellness area with ten showers and a changing room is also available. An ideal way to recharge your batteries between two flights.

Air France Protect, the promise of a safe trip

As part of its “Air France Protect” program, the airline ensures the strictest health measures at every stage of the trip. It is compulsory to wear a surgical mask in the lounge. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout the lounge. Close to the self-service catering area, the serving utensils are changed regularly. Finally, as the press offer is limited, customers are invited to download the Air France Play app before their departure to enjoy a wide choice of newspapers and magazines.

Located between the two boarding areas at terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, this new Air France lounge is open from 5.30 am to 10 pm. Accessible free of charge for Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, and for a fee of 35 euros for customers traveling in the Economy cabin, subject to availability in the lounge.

Air France strengthens its services in Europe and the Caribbean

Air France has made this announcement:

6 new routes on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)
7 summer routes will continue for the 2021 winter season
Fully modifiable and refundable tickets

Air France is continuing to adapt its network and strengthen services to “leisure” destinations. After announcing the launch of flights to Zanzibar (Tanzania), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Muscat (Oman), the airline will be operating 6 new routes for the 2021 winter season (October 2021 – March 2022), on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe).

New services for winter 2021:

On departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle:
- Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain): 2 weekly flights on Mondays and Saturdays as from 1 November 2021, operated by Airbus A319 with 143 seats.
- Rovaniemi (Lapland, Finland): up to 2 weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 4 December 2021 to 5 March 2022, operated by Airbus A319 with 143 seats.
On departure from Paris-Orly:
- Berlin and Munich (Germany): daily flights as from 31 October 2021, operated by Airbus A318 with 131 seats. These services are in addition to the Air France flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
On departure from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe):
- Montreal (Canada): 2 weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays (return from Montreal on Wednesdays and Saturdays) as from 23 November 2021, operated by Airbus A320 with 168 seats.
- New York (United States): 2 weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays (return from New York on Thursdays and Sundays) as from 24 November 2021, operated by Airbus A320 with 168 seats.

The summer routes between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Seville (Spain), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain), Tangiers (Morocco), Faro (Portugal), Djerba (Tunisia) and Krakow (Poland) will also be continued for the 2021 winter season.

Air France prepares for the arrival of the first Airbus A220

Air France issued this statement:

The company’s first Airbus A220 has left the paint shop sporting the Air France livery,
This aircraft embodies the airline’s sustainability commitments with 20% less fuel used compared with the aircraft it is replacing and a 34% reduced noise footprint,
All the Air France crews are preparing to welcome this aircraft in September at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Air France is continuing to renew its fleet. At the end of September, the airline will take delivery of the first of the 60 Airbus A220-300s it has ordered to replace its Airbus A318s and A319s on the short and medium-haul network.

The first Airbus A220 designed for Air France recently left the Airbus paint shop in Mirabel, near Montreal. It sports the new Air France colors and notably features the winged seahorse, the airline’s historical symbol embodying its rich history, at the front of the fuselage.

As it is made with lighter composite materials, the Airbus A220 uses 20% less fuel than previous generation aircraft, and has a 34% reduced noise footprint. It will play a decisive role in achieving Air France’s sustainable development objectives, including a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions in absolute terms on the domestic network from Paris-Orly and on inter-regional routes by 2024 (1), and a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030(2).

Tests and crew training – flight safety of key importance in the preparation for the A220’s arrival

Before joining Paris to carry Air France customers, the aircraft will undergo a series of ground and in-flight tests. On its arrival, it will be used for more than a month to train the airline’s flight crews, some of whom began the so-called “type rating” process last summer.

As with every new type of aircraft entering the fleet, the company has set up two core groups, one made up of pilots and the other of flight attendants. These already qualified crew members will then be responsible for training their colleagues within the framework of in-house programs validated by the authorities.

Last September, eight instructor pilots attended an 8-week theoretical and practical training course at the Airbus training centre in Montreal. They are currently training their colleagues – including another 28 instructors who complete the pilot launch team – notably using a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) mounted on jacks, and assembled at Air France’s flight simulation centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Once Air France takes delivery of the first aircraft, this simulator training will be supplemented by approximately 20 flights in real conditions, with a view to obtaining the A220-300 type rating. Close to 700 Air France pilots will eventually be qualified on this aircraft.

The same core group system is being used for cabin crews, with 14 flight attendants trained in Zurich between September and December 2020. They are currently finalizing the training manuals and content that they themselves will be responsible for providing as from September 2021. The core group has selected and trained a group of 37 flight attendants to complete the practical flight training of cabin crews as soon as the A220 enters service. Two A220 door models have been installed at the Air France Crew Academy at Paray Vieille-Poste, near Paris-Orly, to train some 2,500 flight attendants.

In addition to the pilots and flight attendants, the entire company is preparing to welcome the Airbus A220. From maintenance to station staff, all operational sectors are getting ready for the arrival of this latest-generation aircraft.

The Air France Airbus A220 will be able to welcome 148 passengers in a 3-2 cabin configuration. Each seat will be equipped with type A and type C USB ports and all passengers will enjoy Wi-Fi access from their personal devices.

Video:

Air France announces service to Zanzibar (Tanzania), Muscat (Oman) and Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Air France is continuing to adapt its network and increase services to “leisure” destinations. For the 2021 winter season (October 2021- March 2022), the airline will be offering its customers new services to sunny destinations around the world, on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Africa: Zanzibar
As from October 18, 2021, Air France will fly to Zanzibar (Tanzania), a brand new destination for the airline. Two weekly frequencies will be operated by Boeing 787-9, as a continuation of the flight to Nairobi (Kenya).

Overseas territories: Papeete
This winter, to meet strong customer demand, Air France will be reinforcing its flight schedule to Papeete (French Polynesia), as a continuation of the flight to Los Angeles (United States). As from November 3, 2021, the airline will offer up to 5 frequencies to this destination, operated by Boeing 777-200.

Middle East: Muscat and Dubai
To the Middle East, Air France will start operating three weekly frequencies to Muscat (Oman) as from October 31, 2021. Flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9. The airline will also strengthen its flight schedule to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and offer up to 14 weekly frequencies as from October 23, 2021.

Asia: Colombo
As from November 1, 2021, Air France will start operating flights to Colombo (Sri Lanka), a brand new destination for the airline, with three weekly frequencies as a continuation of the flight to Malé (Maldives). The flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9.

North America: Miami
Finally, as from October 31, 2021, Air France will increase services to Miami (United States) and will offer up to 12 weekly flights operated by Boeing 777-300 and Airbus A350.

This flight schedule is subject to change and remains subject to obtaining the necessary government authorizations. It will be implemented taking into account the health measures currently in force in the various countries served.

Air France celebrates 75 years in New York

Air France celebrated the 75th Anniversary of service to New York:

Douglas DC-4 “Ciel Ile de France” registered as F-BBDJ .1er vol Paris New-York. De gauche à droite : Robert BONNET, second CDB, Jean ROUSSEAU, navigateur, Madeleine THIPLOUSE, hôtesse, Roger LOUBRY, CDB et chef pilote Atlantique Nord, Georges PLANTIVE et Marien CHAPY, radios.
@ collection du musée Air France

New York has always been a city apart for Air France. For the past 75 years, these two cities have laid the foundations of our airline’s incredible adventure. Air France’s expertise has turned to this very special route to make it a laboratory of creation and innovation that forever transformed the art of air travel.

The story began on June 24, 1946, when a Douglas DC-4 called “Ciel d’île de France” took off from Paris-Orly at 7:00 p.m. After 23 hours and 45 minutes, at an average speed of 305 km/h and two stopovers, one in Ireland and the other in Terre Neuve, the first scheduled service landed in New York.

A few months later, in January 1947, the introduction of the Lockheed Constellation made it possible to eliminate one of the outbound stopovers and make the return trip direct. On board, Air France teams invented a modular cabin (with up to 46 seats on a day flight and 22 berths at night) with a service, then called the “Golden Comet”, which forged the airline’s reputation forever.

Des parents et leur enfant se reposent tranquillement dans les couchettes du
Lockheed L.1049 Super Constellation “Parisien spécial”.Une hôtesse leur apporte
le petit-déjeuner @collection Musée Air France

On November 19, 1953, an improved version of the Lockheed Constellation known as the “Constellation Super G” enabled Air France to offer even more comfort, with a lounge bar, private cabins and real beds on board. The New York route became legendary with the “Parisian Special” on the outward journey and the “Golden Parisian” on the return.

Un groupe de passagers déguste du champagne, dans le salon, en première classe du
Lockheed L.1049 Super Constellation ” Parisien Spécial ” @collection Musée Air France

On January 31, 1960, the propeller age made way for the jet era, with the “Château de Versailles”, a brand new Boeing 707, which flew from Paris to New York in half the time it used to take, at a cruising speed of 900 km/h, all in unparalleled luxury and comfort.

Ten years later, on June 3, 1970, there was a new revolution for Air France, with the first commercial flight of the Boeing 747. The era of mass air travel by Jumbo Jet had begun, without deviating from our tradition of luxury and the pleasure of travel.

@ collection Air France

On November 22, 1977, Air France assigned its most spectacular aircraft to this now legendary route. At 2,200 km/h, and with a flight time of 3h30, Concorde freed itself from space and time and allowed Air France to fly faster than the sun.

On November 21, 2009, the largest ever airliner made a landing on the runway at New York-JFK. Air France permanently sealed its name in the record books with the A380 by continuing to provide its 516 passengers with the best in civil aviation.

2014 marked a new milestone in the route’s history. On flights to this flagship destination, Air France chose to reinvent itself by unveiling, on board a B777, the move upmarket of all its products and services, in particular the new La Première suite.

La Première
@collection Air France

In 2020, while the world was experiencing an unprecedented health crisis, Air France was forced to drastically reduce its flight schedule to New York. However, the airline has maintained a regular service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York-JFK, with an air bridge enabling many French and American citizens to be repatriated to their respective countries. Air France has also maintained an important cargo activity to this destination by transporting freight across the Atlantic.

Now, in 2021, Air France is maintaining its “Air France Protect” health commitment on board and is extending its fully flexible policy until the end of December 2021.

Similarly, Air France is constantly adapting its flight schedule to changes in the global health context. With the gradual reopening of borders, this summer the airline is offering up to 3 daily frequencies between Paris and New York-JFK and more than 100 weekly departures from 12 American cities, with connections to Europe via its Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub.

Air France tests IATA travel pass app on its flights between Montreal-Trudeau and Paris

Biron Health Group issued this statement:

First pilot program digitizing negative COVID-19 test results for travellers in Quebec

Montreal, June 23, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – By adding Montreal-Paris to its flights trialing the IATA Travel Pass app, Air France becomes the first airline to introduce a pilot program for outbound flights at the Montréal-Trudeau airport digitizing negative COVID-19 test results. It is carrying out the program jointly with the Biron Health Group.

The pilot program will focus strictly on outbound Air France flights from Montréal-Trudeau to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, as of June 24 until July 15, 2021. Its purpose is to test the International Air Transport Association’s IATA Travel Pass mobile application which will enable travelers to:

Check up on the latest COVID-19 related entry requirements for their country of destination
Have the results of their COVID-19 test performed at partner laboratories sent directly into the app
Securely store these documents in the app so they can demonstrate to airlines and authorities that they meet the relevant entry requirements, without having to divulge further information about their personal health

This trial is free of charge for customers and offered on a voluntary basis. It is open to customers travelling on Air France-operated flights with Paris as a final destination.

Testing will be carried out at the Biron Health Group’s onsite facilities at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Eligible passengers will receive a notification a few days before departing for Paris. Testing is possible on the day of departure for travellers ages 11 and up who have not been vaccinated or have only received their first dose, as they are required to present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result issued within 72 hours of their departure to enter France.

Air France and SNCF to operate an additional 7 “Train + Air” services

Air France made this announcement:

For over 25 years, Air France and SNCF French Railways have been offering their customers a service allowing them to combine train and air travel in the same reservation. Called “Train + Air”, it is used every year by more than 160,000 customers to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports.

As of today, Air France customers can book a combined “Train + Air” trip on 7 additional routes, for travel as from 19 July 2021:

between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Aix-en-Provence TGV, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, Marseille Saint-Charles and Montpellier Saint-Roch;
between Paris-Orly (via Massy TGV station) and Avignon TGV, Marseille Saint-Charles and Valence TGV.

This extension of this network increases the number of stations offered by Air France as part of the “Train + Air” service to 18: Aix-en-Provence TGV, Angers Saint-Laud, Avignon TGV, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, Champagne-Ardenne TGV, Le Mans, Lille Europe, Lorraine TGV, Lyon Part-Dieu, Marseille Saint-Charles, Montpellier Saint-Roch, Nantes, Nimes, Poitiers, Rennes, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Strasbourg and Valence TGV.

Thanks to “Train + Air”, customers have a single reservation for their entire journey and a guaranteed seat on the next available flight or TGV INOUI train, free of charge, if their flight or train arrives late.

As part of the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme, they also earn Miles on the rail leg. In addition, Air France customers travelling in the La Première or Business cabin also travel in first class on SNCF trains.
Digital tests on the CDG and/or Massy TGV – Lille and CDG and/or Massy TGV – Strasbourg routes
To make this combined “Train + Air” journey even simpler, Air France and SNCF are currently testing a new, fully digitalized service, for customers departing from Lille Europe and Strasbourg who have a connection on an Air France flight at Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly.