Air France announced on 04JUL that it has received its 10th Airbus A220-300 as part of its fleet renewal. The aircraft, with registration number F-HZUJ, left the Airbus assembly line in Mirabel (Quebec) to join the airline in CDG, where it will operate the Air France’s short and medium-haul flights.
It will operate its first commercial flight to VCE on 05JUL 2022 (Air France flight 1126).
According to the airline, by 2030, these aircraft will make up 70 per cent of the Air France fleet - compared to 7 per cent today – thanks to an investment plan of one billion euros (CAD $1.32 billion) per year.
The tenth A220-300 sports its new name “Auvers-sur-Oise” at the front of its fuselage, in reference to the town north of Paris which is internationally known for the landscape and impressionist painters Paul Cézanne, Camille Corot and Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch painter spent his last days in Auvers-sur-Oise during a period of intense creativity, according to the airline.
Since 2019 and the delivery of its first Airbus A350, Air France has revived the tradition of naming its aircraft after French towns. Auvers-sur-Oise is the 96th town to be honoured on the company’s aircraft.
Between now and the end of 2025, 60 A220-300s will gradually replace some of Air France’s medium-haul aircraft. With up to 15 deliveries scheduled each year, this is the fastest fleet integration of an aircraft in the history of Air France.
Improved economic and environmental performance
According to Air France, the Airbus A220-300 provides a cost reduction per seat of 10 per cent compared to the Airbus A318 and A319 and stands out for its energy efficiency, consuming 20 per cent less fuel than the aircraft it replaces and its CO2 emissions are also reduced by 20 per cent. Its noise footprint is also 34 per cent lower.
These characteristics will help play a role in reducing Air France’s environmental footprint and achieving its sustainable development objectives.
Within the framework of its “Air France ACT” program, the company is targeting a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030 compared to 2019. This target excludes so-called “offsetting” actions in order to exclusively take into account measures that strictly reduce direct and indirect emissions.
On board
This aircraft has 148 seats, in a 3-2 seat configuration offering 80 per cent of customers a window or aisle seat. According to Air France, the seat is the widest of the market for single-aisle aircraft. It is reclining and features an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion for enhanced comfort. A wide solid tray table, cup holder, a pouch for storing magazines and books, individual USB A and C ports and a tablet or smartphone holder integrated into the backrest complete the package.
The cabin is decorated in the Air France signature colors – shades of blue, a strong presence of white providing light and contrast, and a hint of red. According to Air France, the central aisle is particularly wide, allowing customers to move about at ease. The carpet revisits the traditional ornamental herringbone pattern, symbolizing the emblematic Haussmann-inspired world of Parisian apartments. Large panoramic windows provide natural light for the duration of the trip.
Heading for Europe
This summer, the Air France Airbus A220-300 serves BER, HAM and MUC), LIN, MXP, BLQ, FCO, NNAP and VCE, BCN, VLC and MAD, LIS, CPH, ATH, HEL, VIE, WAW and ARN on departure from the Air France hub at CDG.
For more information on Air France, visit its web site.
