Air France News

Air France reveals new La Première suite
Air France has now revealed its new La Première suite, marking the next stage of the airline’s major project to move their long-haul service upmarket, as part of their ‘Best and Beyond’ campaign. The La Première suite will be progressively rolled out in 19 Air France Boeing 777-300 from September 2014.

Air France boosts services to Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Air France has confirmed it will serve Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast, with weekly flights during the upcoming winter season. From October 26th until March 28th 2015, the airline will operate three of the flights with an Airbus A380, while the remaining four will see a Boeing 777-300 take up the route.

Air France CEO to open Routes Europe Strategy Summit
One of the highlights of this year’s Routes Europe Strategy Summit will be the keynote address from Frédéric Gagey, Chairman & CEO of Air France. The Summit, which is sponsored by Edmonton International Airport, will provide a valuable insight into aviation across the region, as panels of leading industry experts take part in a number of moderator led discussions addressing key air service development issues.

Air France to allow personal electronics
As of early February 2014, Air France passengers will be able to use their personal electronic devices on board at any time during the flight. The European Aviation Safety Agency now permits the use of portable electronic devices in “flight mode” during all phases of the flight.

New Business Class seat from Air France
Air France has unveiled a new Business Class seat, following a €500 million investment in its aircraft. The seat features a unique design for more comfort and freedom, a fully flat seat bed for more sleep, a direct aisle access for each passenger and, more importantly for some, a 16-inch high definition touch screen, with over 1,000 hours of entertainment.

Air France to fly to Tokyo-Haneda Airport in 2014
Air France will be offering a new service to Tokyo-Haneda airport from March 30th, in addition to its flights to Tokyo-Narita. In this way, Air France will offer two daily frequencies - one day flight and one night flight - to Tokyo-Haneda and one daily frequency to Tokyo-Narita, providing customers with a wider range of flight schedules to better organise their trip.

Air France A380 sports 80th anniversary livery
To celebrate Air France’s 80th anniversary, Air France and Airbus have commissioned two Airbus carriers to be decorated with a specially designed 80th anniversary livery, taking the celebrations to new heights. The Airbus A380, complete with its eye catching, bespoke livery, took off on from Paris-Charles de Gaulle for Johannesburg, South Africa after an unveiling to 200 Air France staff.

Huge cocaine haul seized at Paris airport
Police in France have arrested six men after 1.3 tonnes of cocaine was seized from suitcases on board an Air France flight. Police discovered the stash of pure cocaine stuffed in 30 suitcases on September 11th in what is thought to be the largest drug haul ever made in the Paris area.

Air France to cut 2,800 further jobs
Air France management has presented an update on Transform 2015 to its Central Works Council, revealing a further 2,800 jobs will go next year. Transform 2015 is designed to cut costs at the company over the next three years as it seeks to return to profitability.

Expedia renews deal with Air France
Expedia has confirmed Expedia Affiliate Network, the private-label arm of the online travel company, has signed a new partnership agreement with Air France. The collaboration will see EAN working together with the Air France distribution team on an ongoing basis, to build an enhanced hotel offering for Air France’s customers worldwide.

Air France to fly to Erbil following Middle East Airlines deal
Air France has confirmed it will offer flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to a new destination in Iraq, thanks to a codeshare agreement with Middle East Airlines, a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Passengers travelling to Lebanon may, on arrival in Beirut, take a connection on the daily flight by A320 operated by Middle East Airlines to Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Air France, KLM and Travelport sign content deal
Travelport and Air France KLM have signed a new, multi-year global distribution agreement providing all Travelport-connected users with full content. The agreement includes ancillary services such as Economy Comfort and Seat Plus. Travelport-connected agents will also gain access to full content from Air France’s new regional carrier, HOP!.