Air France
Air France is the flag carrier of France and one of the country's largest airlines. It operates domestic and international passenger services, cargo flights and aircraft maintenance activities from its principal hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.[1]
The airline is part of the Air France–KLM Group and was one of the four founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance.[2][3]
Air France uses the IATA code AF, the ICAO code AFR, and the callsign AIRFRANS.[4]
Air France was formed in 1933 through the merger of five French airlines. Its predecessor companies had operated passenger, postal and cargo services across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.[5]
The airline has played an important role in the development of French civil aviation, including operating the Boeing 747, Concorde and Airbus A380. Its current fleet-renewal programme is centred on aircraft including the Airbus A220 and Airbus A350.[6][7]
History
Formation
Air France was formally established on 30 August 1933 through the merger of five French airlines:
Air Orient
Air Union
Compagnie Générale Aéropostale
Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne
Société Générale des Transports Aériens
The new airline inherited an extensive network of routes connecting France with destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.[5]
The winged seahorse used by Air Orient was adopted as an emblem of the new airline. The symbol became known as the hippocampe ailé, or winged seahorse, and remains part of Air France's heritage.
Air France held an inauguration ceremony at Paris Le Bourget Airport on 7 October 1933.
Early network
During its early years, Air France operated aircraft including the Dewoitine D.338, Potez 62 and Bloch MB.220.
Its routes connected Paris with destinations including London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Marseille, Algiers, Dakar, Saigon and several cities in South America.
Long-distance services required numerous intermediate stops and could take several days to complete.
Second World War
Air France's operations were disrupted by the Second World War.
Following the German occupation of France, some services were suspended or reorganised. Parts of the airline's operation continued from territories outside occupied France.
After the liberation of France, the government took control of the country's principal airlines as part of the reconstruction of civil aviation.
Nationalisation
Air France was nationalised in 1945.
The airline was given responsibility for a large part of France's international air network and restarted services across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Aircraft introduced during the post-war period included:
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-4
Lockheed Constellation
Lockheed Super Constellation
Sud-Est Languedoc
Air France began operating scheduled services between Paris and New York in July 1946 using the Douglas DC-4. The journey initially required intermediate stops and took considerably longer than modern transatlantic flights.
Paris Orly Airport
Air France transferred much of its operation from Le Bourget to the expanding Paris Orly Airport after the Second World War.
Orly became the airline's main hub and one of Europe's most important international airports during the 1950s and 1960s.
Air France later shifted most of its long-haul operation to the newly opened Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Introduction of jet aircraft
Air France entered the jet age in 1959 with the introduction of the Sud Aviation Caravelle and Boeing 707.
The Caravelle was used primarily on European, North African and Middle Eastern routes. Its rear-mounted engines and relatively quiet cabin made it an important aircraft for the airline's short- and medium-haul operation.
The Boeing 707 was used on long-haul services, including routes across the Atlantic.
The airline later introduced aircraft including:
Boeing 727
Boeing 737
Douglas DC-8
Dassault Mercure
Airbus A300
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport opened in 1974 and became Air France's principal hub.
The airline progressively transferred international services from Orly to Charles de Gaulle, where it developed a connecting network linking destinations across Europe with long-haul flights.
Charles de Gaulle remains the centre of Air France's passenger, cargo and maintenance operations.
Boeing 747
Air France introduced the Boeing 747 in 1970.
The aircraft provided significantly greater capacity than earlier long-haul aircraft and supported the expansion of affordable intercontinental travel.
Air France operated multiple versions of the Boeing 747, including passenger, cargo and combi configurations. The airline operated 74 Boeing 747 aircraft across all variants during the type's service history.[6]
The final Air France passenger Boeing 747 services were operated in January 2016.
Concorde
Air France introduced the Aérospatiale–BAC Concorde into commercial service in 1976.
Initial destinations included Dakar, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas and Washington Dulles. A scheduled service between Paris and New York began on 22 November 1977.[6]
Concorde could cruise at more than twice the speed of sound and complete the journey between Paris and New York in approximately three and a half hours.
Air France and British Airways were the only airlines to operate Concorde in regular commercial passenger service.
Air France ended Concorde operations in 2003 following reduced demand, increasing maintenance costs and the aftermath of the crash of Flight 4590.
Air Inter and UTA
During the late twentieth century, much of France's domestic network was operated by Air Inter, while Union de Transports Aériens, commonly known as UTA, operated several international routes.
Air France acquired control of UTA in 1990. The acquisition expanded its network, particularly in Africa and the Pacific.
Air France also acquired Air Inter, which was integrated into the airline during the 1990s.
These acquisitions helped consolidate the principal French domestic and international airline operations under Air France.
Airbus fleet expansion
Air France became a major operator of Airbus aircraft.
The Airbus A300 entered service during the 1970s and was followed by types including:
Airbus A310
Airbus A320
Airbus A321
Airbus A330
Airbus A340
Air France was one of the early operators of the Airbus A320. The type became the foundation of its short- and medium-haul fleet.
Privatisation and restructuring
The French government began preparing Air France for partial privatisation during the 1990s.
The airline was reorganised under a holding-company structure and introduced shares to private investors in 1999.
The French state retained a significant interest, but Air France became a publicly traded company with greater commercial independence.
SkyTeam
Air France was one of the four founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
SkyTeam was established on 22 June 2000 by:
Aeroméxico
Air France
Delta Air Lines
Korean Air
The alliance was created to provide coordinated international networks, reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits and shared passenger services.[3]
Air France–KLM
Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced a combination in 2003.
The transaction created the Air France–KLM Group in 2004. Air France and KLM retained their separate brands, operating certificates and national identities while becoming subsidiaries of the same holding company.[2]
The group coordinates areas including fleet purchasing, loyalty programmes, cargo, maintenance and commercial partnerships.
Boeing 777
Air France introduced the Boeing 777 during the late 1990s.
The aircraft became the backbone of the airline's long-haul operation and progressively replaced older Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 aircraft.
Air France operates passenger versions of the Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 777-300ER. Boeing 777 freighters are also used by Air France Cargo.
Airbus A380
Air France introduced the Airbus A380 into commercial service on 20 November 2009 between Paris and New York.
It was the first European airline to operate scheduled transatlantic passenger services with the A380.
Air France operated ten Airbus A380 aircraft on high-demand routes to destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Shanghai.[6]
The fleet was withdrawn in 2020. Air France had already planned to retire the type, but the process was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air France Hop
Air France created the HOP! regional brand in 2013 by bringing together the operations of Brit Air, Régional and Airlinair.
The regional airline was later renamed Air France Hop.
Air France Hop operates lower-capacity domestic and European services using Embraer regional jets. Its flights are sold through Air France and generally carry Air France branding.
COVID-19 pandemic
Air France substantially reduced passenger operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International border restrictions and reduced demand led to the suspension of numerous routes and the temporary grounding of much of the fleet.
The airline continued operating selected passenger, repatriation and cargo services. Passenger aircraft were also used to transport medical supplies and other freight.
The pandemic accelerated the retirement of the Airbus A380 and Airbus A340 fleets.
Passenger services were progressively restored as travel restrictions were removed.
Fleet renewal
Air France is replacing older aircraft with newer Airbus models.
The Airbus A220-300 is progressively replacing Airbus A318 and Airbus A319 aircraft on short- and medium-haul routes.
The Airbus A350-900 is replacing older Airbus A330, Airbus A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft on selected long-haul services.
Air France received its 50th Airbus A220 and 40th Airbus A350 during 2025.[8]
The airline states that the A220 uses approximately 20% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces, while the A350 can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 25% compared with earlier-generation aircraft.[8]
Corporate affairs
Ownership
Air France is a subsidiary of Air France–KLM.
Air France–KLM is a publicly traded Franco-Dutch airline group. Its activities include passenger transportation, cargo, aircraft maintenance and leisure flying.[2]
Air France and KLM operate as distinct airlines within the group.
Headquarters
Air France's headquarters are located at the Roissypôle complex on the grounds of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in Tremblay-en-France.
The airline previously maintained its headquarters in central Paris.
Its main operational, training and maintenance facilities are concentrated around Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Management
Air France has its own chief executive and management team within the wider Air France–KLM structure.
Strategic decisions involving areas such as fleet investment, finances and group partnerships are coordinated with Air France–KLM.
Principal activities
Air France's business is structured around three principal activities:
Passenger transportation
Cargo transportation
Aircraft maintenance
The airline also operates loyalty, holiday and regional activities through the wider Air France–KLM Group.[1]
Subsidiaries and associated operations
| Operation | Role |
| Air France | Mainline passenger airline |
| Air France Hop | Regional airline |
| Air France Cargo | Freight operation |
| Transavia France | Leisure and lower-cost airline |
| Flying Blue | Frequent-flyer programme |
| Air France Industries | Aircraft maintenance operation |
Transavia France operates as part of the Air France–KLM Group and focuses on leisure and lower-cost routes.
Operations
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is Air France's principal hub.
The airline operates domestic, European and intercontinental services from the airport. Its schedule is designed to support connections between short-haul arrivals and long-haul departures.
Air France uses several terminals at Charles de Gaulle, with a large proportion of its operation concentrated in Terminal 2.
The airport is also home to Air France's headquarters, maintenance facilities, crew bases and cargo operation.
Paris Orly Airport
Paris Orly historically served as Air France's principal airport before the development of Charles de Gaulle.
Air France later used Orly for domestic services, flights to French overseas territories and selected European and North African routes.
The airline ended most of its mainline operations at Orly in 2026 as part of a wider restructuring of its domestic network.
Some routes formerly operated by Air France have been transferred to Transavia France or consolidated at Charles de Gaulle.
French regional airports
Air France and Air France Hop operate from regional airports across France.
Important stations have included:
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
Marseille Provence Airport
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Toulouse–Blagnac Airport
Nantes Atlantique Airport
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport
The number of routes operated from each airport varies according to demand and seasonal schedules.
Route network
Air France operates services across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North America, South America and the Caribbean.
The airline has historically maintained a particularly extensive network between France and destinations in Africa.
Long-haul services are concentrated at Paris Charles de Gaulle, while regional flights connect French and European cities with the hub.
French overseas territories
Air France operates services between metropolitan France and French overseas departments and territories.
Destinations have included:
Cayenne
Fort-de-France
Pointe-à-Pitre
Réunion
Papeete
Saint Martin
These routes form an important part of the airline's long-haul network.
Partnerships
Codeshare agreements
Air France maintains codeshare agreements with airlines inside and outside SkyTeam.
A codeshare allows a flight operated by one airline to be sold under the flight number of another airline.
Air France's partners include airlines from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Current partnerships and eligible routes should be confirmed through Air France's official booking system.
SkyTeam
Air France is a founding member of SkyTeam.
Alliance membership allows passengers to connect across the networks of participating airlines.
Eligible passengers may receive benefits including:
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Lounge access
Additional baggage
Priority baggage handling
Coordinated connections
Benefits depend on the passenger's Flying Blue status, ticket and operating airline.
Transatlantic joint venture
Air France participates in a transatlantic joint venture with partner airlines including Delta Air Lines, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.
The participating airlines coordinate selected schedules, fares and commercial activities on routes between Europe and North America.
Flights remain operated by the individual airlines.
Air France Hop
Air France Hop is Air France's regional subsidiary.
It operates domestic and short-haul European services using regional jet aircraft.
The airline developed from the combination of several earlier regional carriers, including:
Airlinair
Brit Air
Régional Compagnie Aérienne Européenne
Flights are marketed by Air France and use Air France flight numbers.
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Embraer E170 | Lower-capacity regional services |
| Embraer E190 | Domestic and European services |
Air France Hop allows the group to operate routes where the capacity of an Airbus A220 or A320-family aircraft would be greater than required.
Air France Cargo
Air France Cargo is the airline's freight division.
Cargo is carried in the holds of passenger aircraft and aboard dedicated Boeing 777 freighters.
The operation transports products including:
General freight
Mail
Pharmaceuticals
Medical products
Live animals
Fresh food
Valuable goods
Oversized cargo
Temperature-sensitive shipments
Paris Charles de Gaulle is Air France Cargo's principal hub.
Air France Cargo works with KLM Cargo and Martinair Cargo through the wider Air France–KLM cargo business.
Air France Industries
Air France Industries provides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
Its activities include:
Airframe maintenance
Engine maintenance
Component repair
Cabin modification
Engineering support
Fleet technical management
Air France Industries works with KLM Engineering & Maintenance as part of the Air France–KLM Group.
The business provides services to Air France, KLM and external airline customers.
Fleet
Air France operates a mixed Airbus and Boeing fleet.
Airbus narrow-body aircraft are used on short- and medium-haul services. Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft operate long-haul routes.
| Aircraft family | Typical role |
| Airbus A220-300 | Short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A318 | Short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A319 | Short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A320 | European and North African services |
| Airbus A321 | Higher-capacity short- and medium-haul services |
| Airbus A330-200 | Long-haul services |
| Airbus A350-900 | Long-haul services |
| Boeing 777-200ER | Long-haul services |
| Boeing 777-300ER | High-capacity long-haul services |
| Boeing 777F | Dedicated cargo services |
| Boeing 787-9 | Long-haul services |
Air France Hop operates Embraer regional aircraft.
Air France and Air France Hop had a combined fleet of 268 aircraft at the end of 2025.[9]
Airbus A220
Air France introduced the Airbus A220-300 in 2021.
The aircraft is being used to replace Airbus A318 and Airbus A319 aircraft.
Air France has described the A220 as a central part of its short- and medium-haul fleet-renewal programme.
The aircraft has a five-abreast cabin, meaning most passengers receive either a window or aisle seat.
Airbus A320 family
The Airbus A320 family has formed the basis of Air France's European fleet since the late 1980s.
Air France has operated:
Airbus A318
Airbus A319
Airbus A320
Airbus A321
The older A318 and A319 aircraft are being progressively replaced by the Airbus A220.
Airbus A330
The Airbus A330-200 is used on selected long-haul routes.
Air France introduced the type during the early 2000s. It has been used on services to Africa, North America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and other destinations.
The fleet is being reduced as additional Airbus A350 aircraft are delivered.
Airbus A350
Air France received its first Airbus A350-900 in 2019.
The aircraft is a major part of the airline's long-haul fleet-renewal programme.
Air France's A350 aircraft are named after French towns and cities. The fleet operates routes across Africa, Asia and the Americas.
The airline states that the A350 uses approximately 25% less fuel than previous-generation aircraft and has a substantially reduced noise footprint.[8]
Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 is one of Air France's principal long-haul aircraft.
The airline operates the Boeing 777-200ER and larger Boeing 777-300ER.
Air France has refurbished selected Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with updated Business, Premium and Economy cabins.
Dedicated Boeing 777 freighters are operated by Air France Cargo.
Boeing 787
Air France introduced the Boeing 787-9 in 2017.
The aircraft is used on long-haul routes and provides lower capacity than the Boeing 777-300ER, making it suitable for markets with moderate demand.
Aircraft naming
Air France has a long tradition of naming aircraft.
Since 2019, newly delivered and selected refurbished aircraft have been named after towns and cities in mainland France and French overseas territories.[10]
Names are displayed near the front of the fuselage.
Former fleet
Air France has operated many aircraft types during its history.
Former aircraft include:
Airbus A300
Airbus A310
Airbus A340
Airbus A380
Aérospatiale–BAC Concorde
Boeing 707
Boeing 727
Boeing 737
Boeing 747
Boeing 767
Dassault Mercure
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-4
Douglas DC-8
Lockheed Constellation
Lockheed Super Constellation
Sud Aviation Caravelle
Vickers Viscount
Several aircraft inherited through the acquisitions of Air Inter and UTA were operated for relatively short periods before fleet consolidation.
Passenger services
La Première
La Première is Air France's highest international cabin.
It is available on selected Boeing 777-300ER services.
The product includes:
A private suite
A seat converting into a fully flat bed
Personalised airport assistance
Lounge access
Premium dining
Additional baggage
Priority services
La Première is offered on a limited number of routes and aircraft.
Business
Business Class is available on long-haul flights and selected European services.
Long-haul Business seats convert into fully flat beds on most aircraft.
Features can include:
Direct aisle access
Airport lounge access
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Additional baggage
Premium meals and drinks
In-flight entertainment
The exact product varies between aircraft types and cabin configurations.
Premium
Air France offers a Premium cabin on long-haul aircraft.
The cabin was previously marketed as Premium Economy.
It provides wider seats, additional legroom and greater recline than Economy Class.
Passengers generally receive priority airport services and an enhanced onboard meal.
Economy
Economy Class is available across the Air France fleet.
Long-haul service generally includes:
A meal and drinks
In-flight entertainment
A cabin baggage allowance
Access to onboard connectivity where installed
Checked baggage, ticket flexibility and seat selection depend on the fare purchased.
European service
Air France operates a single physical cabin on many short-haul aircraft, with the front rows designated for Business Class passengers.
European Business Class generally includes an adjacent seat left unoccupied, priority airport services, lounge access and complimentary catering.
In-flight entertainment and connectivity
Air France provides personal entertainment screens on most long-haul aircraft.
The entertainment system includes films, television programmes, music and other content.
The airline began introducing complimentary high-speed satellite Wi-Fi during 2025.
Air France plans to equip its entire fleet with the new service by the end of 2026. Access requires passengers to sign in using a Flying Blue account, except where alternative access arrangements apply.[11]
During the transition, aircraft not yet equipped with the new system continue to provide earlier connectivity packages.
Flying Blue
Flying Blue is the frequent-flyer programme shared by Air France and KLM.
Members can earn miles through flights, hotels, car hire, shopping, payment cards and other partners.
Miles can be redeemed for:
Reward flights
Cabin upgrades
Seat options
Baggage
Hotels
Car hire
Other travel benefits
Flying Blue includes several status levels:
| Level | Position |
| Explorer | Entry level |
| Silver | First elite level |
| Gold | SkyTeam Elite Plus level |
| Platinum | Higher elite level |
| Ultimate | Highest published level |
Status is determined using Experience Points, commonly abbreviated to XP.
Benefits can include priority airport services, lounge access, additional baggage and preferred seating.
Airport lounges
Air France operates lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle and selected airports elsewhere in its network.
Access may be available to:
La Première passengers
Eligible Business Class passengers
Flying Blue Gold members
Flying Blue Platinum members
Flying Blue Ultimate members
Eligible SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers
La Première lounge
The La Première lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle is reserved for eligible First Class passengers.
It provides restaurant-style dining, private seating and personalised assistance.
Business lounges
Air France operates several Business lounges at Charles de Gaulle.
Facilities vary by terminal but may include:
Food and drinks
Showers
Work areas
Quiet areas
Wi-Fi
Spa or wellness facilities
Branding
Winged seahorse
The winged seahorse is Air France's historic emblem.
It originated with Air Orient and was adopted by Air France following the airline's formation in 1933.
The emblem continues to appear on selected aircraft, buildings and branded materials.
Logo
Air France's modern logo uses the airline's name in dark blue lettering with a red accent known as the red accent or slash.
The design reflects the colours of the French flag.
Livery
Air France aircraft use a predominantly white livery.
The tail carries diagonal blue, white and red stripes. The airline's name is displayed prominently on the forward fuselage.
The winged seahorse appears near the cockpit on many aircraft.
Uniforms and design
Air France has worked with French fashion designers to create staff uniforms and cabin interiors.
Designers associated with the airline have included:
Christian Dior
Cristóbal Balenciaga
Nina Ricci
Carven
Christian Lacroix
The airline uses its French identity as a central part of its international branding.
Environmental strategy
Air France has set a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre by 30% by 2030 compared with 2019.[12]
Its strategy includes:
Replacing older aircraft
Introducing Airbus A220 and Airbus A350 aircraft
Using sustainable aviation fuel
Reducing aircraft weight
Improving flight planning
Using electric ground equipment
Reducing single-use materials
Air France invests approximately €1 billion each year in fleet renewal.[12]
The airline expects newer-generation aircraft to represent approximately 70% of its mainline fleet by 2030.
Accidents and incidents
Flight 007
On 3 June 1962, Air France Flight 007 crashed during take-off from Paris Orly Airport.
The Boeing 707 was operating a charter flight to Atlanta with a planned stop in New York.
The aircraft overran the runway and was destroyed by fire. Most of the passengers and crew members were killed.
Flight 117
On 22 June 1962, Air France Flight 117 crashed into terrain while approaching Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe.
The aircraft was a Boeing 707. All passengers and crew members were killed.
Flight 212
On 5 March 1968, Air France Flight 212 crashed into a volcano while approaching Pointe-à-Pitre.
The aircraft was a Boeing 707. All occupants were killed.
Flight 4590
On 25 July 2000, Air France Flight 4590 crashed shortly after take-off from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The aircraft was a Concorde operating a charter flight to New York.
The aircraft struck debris on the runway during its take-off roll. A tyre failed and fragments damaged the aircraft, contributing to a fuel leak and fire.
All 109 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were killed, along with four people on the ground.
The accident led to the temporary grounding of Concorde and modifications to the aircraft before services resumed.
Flight 358
On 2 August 2005, Air France Flight 358 overran the runway while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport during a thunderstorm.
The Airbus A340 came to rest beyond the runway and was destroyed by fire.
All passengers and crew members evacuated the aircraft. Several people were injured, but there were no fatalities.
Flight 447
On 1 June 2009, Air France Flight 447 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while operating from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.
The aircraft was an Airbus A330-200.
All 228 passengers and crew members were killed.
The investigation found that temporary inconsistencies between airspeed measurements led to the disconnection of the autopilot. The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall from which the crew did not recover.
The accident led to changes in pilot training, aircraft systems and procedures relating to unreliable airspeed events.
Flight 066
On 30 September 2017, Air France Flight 066 suffered an uncontained engine failure while operating from Paris to Los Angeles.
The Airbus A380 diverted safely to Goose Bay Airport in Canada.
There were no fatalities. The event led to an investigation and inspections of similar engines.
See also
Air France–KLM
Air France Hop
Air France Cargo
Transavia France
Flying Blue
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Orly Airport
SkyTeam
List of airlines of France
Transport in France