Air France has been in operation for over 90 years, with its roots extending back more than a century. Today, this iconic European airline stands as one of the world’s leading carriers, offering services from France to a diverse array of destinations across the globe.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading French airline. In no particular order, here are 40 ultimate facts about Air France, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
Table of Contents
Air France overview
1. National flag carrier
Air France is the national flag carrier of France. It has been the nation’s flag carrier for several decades.
Over the years, the airline has been instrumental in connecting France to the rest of the word.
2. When was Air France formed?
Air France was founded on October 7, 1933, through the merger of several smaller airlines, including Air Orient, Air Union, Compagnie Générale Aéropostale, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne (CIDNA), and Société Générale des Transports Aériens (SGTA).
This means that Air France’s history can be traced back to 1919, when Société Générale des Transports Aériens was established.
3. The airline’s key hub
The carrier’s main hub is Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The airline currently operates from Terminal 2E, 2F, and 2G at CDG.
4. Air France’s other hubs
In addition to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, Air France also has hubs at Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport, Marseille Provence Airport, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, Paris Orly Airport, and Toulouse–Blagnac Airport.
5. Is Air France the largest airline in France?
In terms of fleet size, passengers carried, and destinations served, Air France is the largest carrier in France.
6. A member of SkyTeam
Air France is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which was formed in June 2000.
The airline created SkyTeam with Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air.
7. Air France’s parent company
Air France is owned by the Air France–KLM Group.
The holding group was created in 2004 following the merger between Air France and KLM.
8. The airline’s head office
The airline’s headquarters is located in the Roissypôle complex at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
9. 90 years in business
In August 2023, the airline celebrated its 90th anniversary.
However, if you consider its predecessor, Société Générale des Transports Aériens, which was established in 1919, Air France has actually been in operation for over 105 years.
10. Air France’s current CEO
The airline’s current CEO is Anne Rigail.
Rigail was appointed by Air France in December 2018.
11. The airline’s workforce
As of October 2024, Air France has over 39,000 employees around the globe.
This total includes positions such as pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff.
Fleet and destinations
12. How many aircraft are in Air France’s current fleet?
According to Air Fleets, Air France has 230 active aircraft in its fleet.
13. The aircraft in the airline’s fleet
Air France has models such as the Airbus A320-200, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A220-300, and Boeing 777-300.
14. Air France’s route network
As of October 2024, Air France serves destinations across Africa/Indian Ocean, the Americas, Asia/Middle East, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe.
According to ch-aviation, the airline operates services to 204 destinations.
15. The Concorde era at Air France
Air France operated the Concorde – the iconic supersonic jet – in its fleet between 1976 and 2003.
Tragically, one of the airline’s Concorde aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in July 2000.
16. Airbus A380 retirement
Air France previously operated the Airbus A380.
The airline retired all of its jumbo A380s during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travel classes and services
17. Air France’s travel classes
The airline offers four travel classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.
The availability of these classes can depend on the destination and aircraft.
18. La Première
La Première is Air France’s first-class offering for long-haul flights.
The product has features such as two-metre-long beds, private lounge access, and À la carte on-demand meals.
19. SkyPriority
Passengers in premium classes benefit from SkyPriority services, which provide expedited check-in, security, and boarding.
Lounges and in-flight experience
20. La Première Lounge
The La Première lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is renowned for its luxurious amenities, including a gourmet dining area and personalized service. The lounge has various areas, including a sleeping zone and spa.
Access to this lounge is exclusive to passengers traveling in First Class with Air France.
21. Other Air France lounges
Air France has many other lounges located at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport for premium passengers.
The lounges are located in Terminals 2E, 2F, and 2G.
22. Onboard connectivity
Air France’s aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected during flights.
In September 2024, the airline announced that it had launched free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi on board all its aircraft.
23. In-flight entertainment
Air France provides in-flight entertainment systems exclusively on its long-haul flights, offering a wide selection of films, TV shows, and games.
Air France’s frequent flyer program
24. Flying Blue
Air France’s loyalty program is called Flying Blue, which is a joint venture with KLM and several other partner airlines.
25. Flying Blue’s tier levels
Flying Blue has four membership tiers: Explorer, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier offers increasing benefits, such as bonus Miles, priority boarding, and lounge access.
26. Collecting and spending Miles
Members earn Miles based on the distance flown and the fare class purchased. These Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
Historical milestones and fun facts
27. Air France’s first transatlantic flight
Air France’s first transatlantic flight took place in June 1946, with a service from Paris to New York.
28. Introduction of the Boeing 707
In 1960, Air France became one of the first airlines to operate the Boeing 707 aircraft.
This aircraft significantly reduced flying times, notably shortening the Paris-New York route to just 8 hours.
29. Sud Aviation Caravelle aircraft
In the 1950s, Air France became one of the first airlines to operate a passenger service using the Sud Aviation Caravelle aircraft.
The plane was created by SNCASE, a French aircraft manufacturer.
30. Privatization of the airline
1999, the French government privatized Air France.
As of October 2024, the French state has a 28.6% stake in the Air France-KLM Group.
31. Air Inter
Air Inter, which began operations in France as a semi-public domestic carrier in the 1950s, merged with Air France in 1997.
32. In-flight champagne
Air France is said to serve more than 1 million bottles of wine each year on its flights.
Subsidiaries and partnerships
33. Air France Hop
Air France Hop, previously known simply as HOP!, is a regional airline established by Air France in December 2012.
34. Transavia France
Transavia France is a low-cost airline owned by Air France and Transavia.
As of October 2024, Air France has a 95.5% stake in the airline.
35. Codeshare partners
In addition to Air France’s partners in the SkyTeam alliance, the airline also has codeshare agreements in place with airlines such as Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
Codeshare agreements are partnerships between airlines that allow them to share flight services, enabling one airline to sell seats on another’s flights under its own flight number.
Awards, certifications, and safety
36. What is Air France’s IATA Code?
Air France’s official IATA code is AF.
IATA – the International Air Transport Association – is the trade association for carriers around the globe.
37. Skytrax’s rating for Air France
As of October 2024, Air France is certified as a four-star airline by Skytrax.
Skytrax is a leading international air transport rating organisation.
38. Award-winning carrier
Over the years, Air France has won numerous prestigious awards, including Best European Airline at the World Travel Awards and Best First Class Onboard Catering at the Apex Awards.
39. European safety standards
The airline complies with stringent safety regulations set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
40. What is Air France’s safety record like?
Although Air France has experienced several incidents over the years, it maintains a generally strong safety record.
The airline’s most recent tragic accident occurred in 2009, when one of its Airbus A330-203 aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
Flight AF447, en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, stalled over the ocean and failed to recover. This incident is the deadliest crash in Air France’s history.
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