Air France is now offering three weekly services to Abidjan using the A380, the largest superjumbo in its fleet, with an additional four weekly frequencies to Abidjan operated by Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

Air France revealed its ambition to make Abidjan the first destination in French-speaking Africa to be served with regular A380 flights with a special Air France flight on January 28th earlier this year, which also reflected the company’s wish to support the country’s development towards becoming the main hub for and gateway to Western Africa.

The daily frequency, which connects Paris to Abidjan, operates during the day on the outbound leg, and during the night on the inbound leg.

AF 702 will leave Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:45, arriving in Abidjan at 19:20, while AF 703 leaves Abidjan at 23:10, arriving in Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 06:40 the following day.

The flights on Monday, Friday, and Sunday, are operated by the A380, with additional days served by the Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

The Air France A380 aircraft has a total of 516 seats across four cabin classes: nine seats in La Première, 80 seats in Business Class, 38 seats in Premium Economy, and 389 seats in Economy.

The Airbus provides a new benchmark for air transport and the environment, boasting a low noise level on board and a lower fuel usage, thereby reducing CO2 emissions, whilst still offering optimum comfort for passengers, thanks to the cabin’s generous dimensions.

In May 2012, Air France became a financial partner of Air Côte d’Ivoire, investing 20 per cent in its initial capital as a strategic partner.

Air France is also a technical partner, and the Air Côte d’Ivoire’s fleet currently comprises three Airbus A319s and one Embraer 170, serving the major cities in West and Central Africa.

Frank Legré, senior vice president Africa Air France-KLM, said: “The offer of regular flights by A380 to Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët-Boigny airport reflects our ambition to support the rapid boom of the Côte d’Ivoire and our constant efforts to offer our best products and services on flights to Africa.”