As the troops fly home so commercial carriers arrive, with French airline Aigle Azur preparing to launch the first direct commercial flights from Paris to Baghdad for 20 years. The move follows the lead of Iraqi Airways, which launched the first direct flights between Baghdad and London for two decades in April.

Emirates chairman Tim Clarke has angrily rejected claims made by Air France chief executive Henri Gourgeon suggesting the airline accepts government subsidies. Mr Gourgeon warned earlier this week Europe’s status as an air travel hub was “under threat” from emerging Middle Eastern carriers.

Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, one of the world’s largest airline groups flying more than 71 million passengers annually, and Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, today announce the group’s successful migration to Amadeus’ Altéa Inventory solution.

An Air France stewardess is facing ten years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing from business class passengers whilst they slept on long-haul flights. The 47-year-old was eventually caught following a number of complaints about missing cash, credit cards and jewellery.

Erroneous reports in the British tabloid media this week stated that French flag carrier, Air France, will force overweight flyers to pay for two seats, or they will be prevented from boarding for ‘safety reasons’.

Already sharing the same reservation system from Amadeus, the two airlines take one step further toward the consolidation and modernisation of their passenger service system.