Air France facts for kids
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| Founded | 8 February 1919 (as Société Générale des Transports Aériens) |
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| Commenced operations | 30 August 1933 (as Air France) |
| Hubs | |
| Secondary hubs |
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| Focus cities |
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| Frequent-flyer program | Flying Blue |
| Alliance | SkyTeam |
| Subsidiaries |
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| Fleet size | 243 |
| Destinations | 184 |
| Parent company | Air France–KLM |
| Headquarters | Roissypôle, CDG Airport, Tremblay-en-France, France |
| Key people |
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| Revenue | €16.3 billion (2022) |
| Operating income | €483 million (2022) |
| Employees | 38,000 |
Air France is the main airline of France. It is known as the country's flag carrier, meaning it represents France in the airline world. Its main office is in Tremblay-en-France, near Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Air France is part of the Air France–KLM Group. It is also a founding member of SkyTeam, a big group of airlines that work together globally. As of 2013, Air France flies to 29 places in France and over 200 places in 78 countries around the world. In 2019, it carried more than 46 million passengers!
The airline's main hub, or central airport, is Charles de Gaulle Airport. For flights within France, Orly Airport is its main hub.
Air France was created on August 30, 1933. This happened when several smaller French airlines merged together. For many years, it was France's main national airline. In 2003, it merged with KLM, a Dutch airline, to form Air France–KLM.
Air France uses a mix of Airbus and Boeing planes for long flights. For shorter flights, it uses Airbus A320 family aircraft. In 2009, Air France was one of the first airlines to use the giant Airbus A380 plane. Its regional airline, Air France Hop, handles most of its domestic and European flights.
Air France: A Look at Its Past
How Air France Began
Air France was formed on August 30, 1933. It was created by combining five different airlines. One of these, SGTA, was actually France's first commercial airline, started in 1919. These early airlines had already built large flight networks across Europe and to French colonies in North Africa. During World War II, Air France moved its operations to Casablanca, Morocco.
In 1936, Air France added French-made Potez 62 planes to its fleet. These planes could carry 14 to 16 passengers. They were used for routes in Europe, South America, and the Far East. Even though they flew at 175 miles per hour, they were very reliable.
After World War II, in 1945, the French government took control of all French air transport companies. Air France was given the job of managing the entire French air network. In 1946, Air France hired its first flight attendants. That same year, it opened its first air terminal in central Paris. This terminal was connected to Paris–Le Bourget Airport, which was Air France's main base at the time.
By 1947, Air France's network covered 160,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest in the world. Flights to New York started in 1946, with stops in Ireland and Canada. These flights took just under 20 hours using Douglas DC-4 planes.
By 1948, Air France had 130 aircraft, one of the largest fleets in the world. From 1947 to 1965, the airline used Lockheed Constellation planes for passengers and cargo. In 1948, the government created Compagnie Nationale Air France. The government initially owned 70% of the company, and later almost 100%.
Entering the Jet Age
In 1952, Air France moved its main base to the new Orly Airport South terminal. By then, its network covered 250,000 kilometers. Air France entered the jet age in August 1953, using the de Havilland Comet jet for flights from Paris to Beirut.
In 1960, the airline began using Sud Aviation Caravelle and Boeing 707 jet planes. These jets cut travel times in half and made flights much more comfortable. Air France later became one of the first airlines to use the Boeing 747 and eventually had one of the largest 747 fleets in the world.
In 1963, the government officially divided flight routes between Air France and other private airlines. This meant Air France had to give up some routes to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. These routes were given to a new private airline called Union de Transports Aériens (UTA).
In 1974, Air France started moving most of its operations to the new Charles de Gaulle Airport north of Paris. Air France also became the first airline to operate the Airbus A300, Airbus Industrie's first commercial plane.
The Supersonic Concorde Era
On January 21, 1976, Air France began its first supersonic transport (SST) service. This was with the Concorde plane, flying from Paris to Rio de Janeiro. Supersonic flights to Washington D.C. started in May 1976, and to New York (JFK) in November 1977. The flight from Paris to New York took only 3 hours and 23 minutes, flying at about twice the speed of sound. Air France was one of only two airlines, along with British Airways, to regularly fly supersonic services. It continued daily Concorde flights across the Atlantic until May 2003.
By 1983, Air France was celebrating its 50th birthday. It had over 34,000 employees and about 100 jet planes, including 33 Boeing 747s. Its network covered 634,400 kilometers, serving 150 destinations in 73 countries. This made Air France the fourth-largest passenger airline and the second-largest freight carrier in the world.
In 1986, the government changed its rules, allowing other airlines to compete with Air France on some of its most profitable routes. This led to competition, especially with UTA.
In 1988, Air France was one of the first airlines to receive the Airbus A320, a new type of plane with advanced computer controls.
Mergers and Changes
In 1990, the government merged Air France with two other French airlines, Air Inter and UTA. This was done to create one large national airline that could compete globally.
In 1994, a new company called Groupe Air France was formed. It took over Air France and Air Inter. In 1997, Air Inter was fully absorbed into Air France. In 1999, parts of Air France were sold to private investors, and its shares were listed on the Paris stock exchange. In June 1999, Air France and Delta Air Lines started working together, which later grew into the SkyTeam global airline alliance in 2000.
Air France–KLM Merger
On September 30, 2003, Air France and KLM, a Dutch airline, announced they would merge. The new company was named Air France–KLM. The merger officially happened on May 5, 2004. This made Air France–KLM the largest airline in the world by revenue at the time. Even though they are owned by one company, Air France and KLM still fly under their own names. They both remained part of the SkyTeam alliance.
In 2007, Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines announced a partnership to share profits and revenues on transatlantic flights. This allowed them to work together more closely, especially for flights to and from London Heathrow Airport.
Recent Years
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In 2012, Air France-KLM started a plan called "Transform 2015" to become profitable again. This involved cutting costs and changing how short and medium-haul flights operated. They also planned to reduce their workforce by about 5,000 jobs through voluntary departures.
In 2013, Air France introduced new and improved seats for its Economy and Premium Economy classes. In 2014, they also revealed a new Business class product with fully flat beds.
In 2015, Air France faced financial challenges and a pilot strike. The airline announced it would cut about 2,900 jobs. In December 2015, Air France announced the retirement of its last Boeing 747, which had been part of its fleet since 1970.
In 2017, Air France received its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In July 2017, Air France-KLM formed a big partnership with Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
In December 2018, Anne Rigail was appointed as the Executive Director of Air France.
How Air France Works
Head Office
Air France's main office is located in the Roissypôle complex at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. This large building was finished in 1995. From the office, you can see the airport runways. The Air France Operations Control Centre, which manages all Air France flights worldwide, is also located here.
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Before 1995, Air France's headquarters were in a tower next to the Montparnasse train station in Paris for about 30 years.
Other Offices and Facilities
Air France has offices in other countries, like the United States (in New York City) and the United Kingdom (in Hatton Cross).
The airline also has a crew base at Charles de Gaulle Airport, where flight crews prepare for their flights. Air France also runs a Vaccination Centre in Paris, which provides vaccines for people traveling internationally.
Subsidiary Airlines
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Air France has several subsidiary airlines and companies that are part of its group:
- Transavia France
- Air France Hop (formerly HOP!)
- Servair (a catering company)
These companies help Air France with different parts of its business, from low-cost flights to regional services.
Air France Asie
Because of political reasons related to Taiwan, Air France could not fly to the island under its own name for a while. So, in 1998, it created a special subsidiary called Air France Asie (Air France Asia). This airline flew between Paris and Taipei. Its planes had a slightly different design on the tail. Air France Asie stopped operating in 2004.
Plane Designs (Livery)
Air France planes usually have a white body with the blue "Air France" name. The tail is white with angled red and blue lines, like the French flag. This design has been used since the late 1970s.
In 2009, Air France updated its design slightly, changing the blue bars on the tail. In 2017, they made the "Air France" titles on the planes larger. In 2019, with the arrival of the Airbus A350, they added a winged seahorse logo to the wingtips. They also started naming each of their aircraft, with the name written near the front windows.
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Air France Sud Aviation Caravelle in an older design
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Air France Airbus A310 in the 1976 design
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Air France Boeing 777 in the 2009 design
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Air France Boeing 787 in the 2017 updated design
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Air France Airbus A350 in the 2019 updated design
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Air France Airbus A220 in the 2021 updated design
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Marketing and Uniforms
Air France uses music by groups like Telepopmusik for its marketing and on-board atmosphere. In 2015, they launched a new ad campaign focusing on French culture.
The uniforms for Air France cabin crew were designed by famous French fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Flight attendants have stripes on their sleeves or pockets to show their rank.
Branding and Logo
When Air France was formed, it adopted the seahorse logo from one of its original airlines, Air Orient. This winged seahorse is called the hippocampe ailé. You can see it on the plane engines. The letters "AF" are also a key part of the airline's brand. In 2009, Air France officially changed its logo to a red stripe.
Where Air France Flies
Air France flies to 29 places within France and over 200 international destinations in 94 countries. This includes flights by its cargo service and partner airlines like Air France Hop. Most international flights leave from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Air France also has a strong presence at other French airports like Paris-Orly, Lyon, and Marseille.
Main Hubs
- Charles de Gaulle Airport: This is Air France's biggest hub for international flights, with many departures each day. It's also a hub for Air France HOP.
- Orly Airport: This is Air France's second largest base and the main hub for its subsidiary, Transavia France.
Partner Airlines
Air France works with many other airlines around the world. This means you can often book a flight with Air France that is actually operated by one of its partners. This is called a codeshare agreement. Some of its partners include:
- Aeroméxico
- Air Europa
- China Eastern Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Japan Airlines
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
Air France Planes
Large Planes (Widebody Fleet)
Air France uses large planes for long-distance flights. In 2011, Air France-KLM ordered 50 Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s. The first Boeing 787 started flying for Air France in early 2017. The first Airbus A350 was delivered to Air France in September 2019.
Smaller Planes (Narrowbody Fleet)
For shorter flights, Air France uses a fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft. In 2019, they announced plans to replace their older Airbus A318 and A319 planes with 60 new Airbus A220-300s, starting in 2021. These new planes will help Air France reduce emissions for flights within mainland France.
Retired Planes
- Concorde: The five Air France Concorde supersonic planes were retired on May 31, 2003. This decision was made because of lower demand after a Concorde crash in 2000, as well as high fuel and maintenance costs.
- Boeing 747: Air France started flying the Boeing 747 in 1970. It used several versions of this famous jumbo jet. In January 2016, Air France finally retired its last Boeing 747–400. These planes were replaced by the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777s.
What It's Like to Fly Air France
Cabin Classes
Air France offers different types of seating, called cabin classes, for international long-haul flights:
- La Première (First Class): This is Air France's most luxurious class, available on some Boeing 777 planes. It features very comfortable seats that turn into two-meter-long beds. Passengers get a personal screen, privacy dividers, and special services like a personalized coat service and high-quality blankets. Meals are designed by a famous chef.
- Business Class: Available on all long-haul planes, Business class offers seats that recline into angled lie-flat beds. Each seat has a touchscreen TV, reading light, and power ports. Passengers receive three-course meals.
- Premium Economy: This class is on all long-haul flights and offers more space than Economy. The seats have more legroom and recline further. Passengers get double baggage allowance, priority airport services, and improved amenities like noise-cancelling headphones and an enhanced meal service.
- Economy Class: On long-haul flights, Economy seats recline and have personal TV screens with entertainment. A menu with meal choices is provided. For short and medium-haul flights, different seating arrangements are used, and snacks or cold meals are served. All flights offer complimentary alcoholic beverages, including champagne. Air France also offers "Seat Plus" options in Economy, which are seats with extra legroom.
Food and Drinks
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In La Première (First Class), the menu is created by a Michelin-starred chef. It includes appetizers, main courses, bread, cheeses, and a dessert cart. On all long-haul flights, Air France serves complimentary champagne and wine to passengers in every class.
In-flight Entertainment
All long-haul Air France flights offer Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) in every cabin. This system has many channels of videos, music, and games. Passengers can also read Air France Magazine. Some films are available in multiple languages. The airline also offers language courses through its entertainment system.
Since 2013, Air France has been testing Wi-Fi on some of its planes, allowing passengers to stay online using their devices.
Airport Lounges
Air France lounges are called Le Salon. They are open to La Première and Business class passengers, as well as members of the Flying Blue loyalty program with Gold, Platinum, or SkyTeam Elite Plus status. There are over 530 Air France and SkyTeam lounges around the world.
Flying Blue Program
Flying Blue is the frequent flyer program for Air France-KLM. Members earn points based on how far they fly and their class of service. The program has different levels: Explorer, Elite (Silver), and Elite Plus (Gold and Platinum), each offering more benefits. There's also a special invitation-only Club 2000 card for VIPs.
Incidents and Accidents
Air France has had some major accidents. The deadliest happened on June 1, 2009, when Air France Flight 447, an Airbus A330, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, and all 228 people on board died. Another notable accident was on July 25, 2000, when Air France Flight 4590, a Concorde, crashed shortly after takeoff. This led to the retirement of all Concorde planes.
See Also
In Spanish: Air France para niños
- Dirigisme
- List of airlines of France
- List of airports in France
- List of companies of France
- Transport in France
- Air transport in France
