Air France is the flag carrier of France, headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. Founded in 1933, it is a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Operating from its main hubs at Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport, Air France serves numerous domestic and international destinations across six continents. Known for its French touch in service, the airline offers a blend of tradition and innovation, catering to both leisure and business travelers with a focus on quality and comfort.
Services
- La Première (First Class) : Offers private suites with full-flat beds, Michelin-starred cuisine, personalized service, and exclusive lounges for a luxurious travel experience.
- Business Class : Features lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, extensive in-flight entertainment, and priority boarding, aiming to provide comfort and efficiency for business travelers.
- Premium Economy : Provides extra legroom, wider seats, upgraded dining options, and enhanced baggage allowance, ideal for those seeking more comfort than economy class.
- Economy Class : Includes comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and complimentary meals and beverages, ensuring a pleasant journey for budget-conscious travelers.
- Flying Blue Loyalty Program : Offers frequent flyers the ability to earn miles on flights and redeem them for various rewards, including flight upgrades and exclusive experiences.
- In-Flight Entertainment : Offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games on personal screens, available in multiple languages to cater to diverse passengers.
- SkyPriority : Provides fast-track services at airports, including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, enhancing the travel experience for premium passengers.
- Kids’ Services: Includes special meals, entertainment, and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable flight for young travelers.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity : Available on most flights, allowing passengers to stay connected, browse the internet, and work during their journey.
- Gourmet Dining : Collaborates with renowned chefs to offer high-quality meals, reflecting French culinary excellence, across all classes.
Expriences
- Gwyneth Paltrow : Praised Air France's La Première service for its exceptional comfort and luxury during her trip from New York to Paris.
- Robert De Niro : Enjoyed the privacy and gourmet dining in Air France's First Class on his way to the Cannes Film Festival.
- Katy Perry : Appreciated the attentive service and in-flight entertainment while flying Business Class to a European tour.
Interesting Facts
- Historic Foundation : Air France was formed in 1933 through the merger of several smaller airlines, making it one of the world's oldest carriers.
- Concorde Operator : Air France was one of only two airlines to operate the supersonic Concorde, offering transatlantic flights from 1976 until 2003.
- Art and Culture : The airline has a long history of promoting French art and culture, featuring works by famous artists in its lounges and on its planes.
- Environmental Initiatives : Air France is committed to sustainability, implementing numerous eco-friendly practices and aiming to reduce CO2 emissions.
- SkyTeam Founder : It co-founded the SkyTeam alliance in 2000, enhancing its global connectivity and offering seamless travel benefits to passengers.
Frequent Flyers
- Emmanuel Macron : Often uses Air France for official international travel, praising its punctuality and service.
- Carla Bruni-Sarkozy : Frequently travels with Air France, appreciating the premium services and French touch.
- François Hollande : Prefers Air France for its reliability and excellent service during his tenure as President of France.
- Catherine Deneuve : Chooses Air France for its comfort and premium cabin experience on long-haul flights.
- Jean Dujardin : Regularly flies Air France for its exceptional business class services.
Myths
- Always Expensive : Contrary to belief, Air France offers competitive fares, especially when booked in advance.
- Poor Customer Service : Many travelers report high satisfaction with Air France's customer service, particularly in premium classes.
- Old Fleet : The airline continuously modernizes its fleet with new, fuel-efficient aircraft
Offbeat Destinations
- Papeete, Tahiti : A hidden gem in French Polynesia known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture.
- Bamako, Mali : Offers rich history, vibrant markets, and traditional music scenes.
- Nouakchott, Mauritania : The capital city with beautiful desert landscapes and a bustling fishing port.
- Pointe-Noire, Congo : Known for its beaches, harbor, and vibrant nightlife.
- Saint-Denis, Réunion : Offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush nature trails.
- Libreville, Gabon : Coastal city with diverse wildlife and pristine beaches.
- Fort-de-France, Martinique : Rich in French-Caribbean culture with beautiful bays and historic sites.
- Cayenne, French Guiana : Known for its rainforests, creole culture, and space center.
- Djibouti City, Djibouti : Strategic location with rich marine life and volcanic landscapes.
- Tbilisi, Georgia : Blends old-world charm with modern attractions, famous for its historical architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Useful Resources
Awards
- Skytrax World Airline Awards : Best First Class Lounge Dining, Best First Class in Europe.
- Apex Awards : Recognized for excellent in-flight entertainment and service.
- Business Traveller Awards : Best Long-Haul Airline, Best European Airline.