Launched: October 2021
Elements: Interior design, catering, comfort, CSR
In September 2021, Air France took delivery of its first Airbus A220-300. Since introducing the Airbus A350 on its long-haul fleet, the company is continuing its fleet renewal thanks to its firm order – the largest from a European customer – of 60 A220-300s, plus an additional mix of 30 options and 30 purchase rights. They will gradually replace the airline’s Airbus A318s and A319s as well as several Airbus A320s by 2025.
The Airbus A220-300s will ultimately make up close to 60% of the Air France medium-haul fleet, alongside the Airbus A320 and A321.
By integrating its new fleet into its service, Air France has four key aims: To reduce the environmental impact, upgrade comfort for passengers, enhance the Air France brand, and reinforce the gastronomy positioning.
The Airbus A220-300 generates 20% less CO2 emissions than the aircraft it replaces and has a 34% reduced noise footprint. It plays a decisive role in reducing Air France’s environmental footprint. With an operating range and capacity suited to serving Air France’s short and medium-haul network, it perfectly meets the company’s operational requirements and boasts the highest standards of inflight comfort.
Boosting comfort
The A220-300 has 148 seats in a 3-2 seat configuration offering 80% of customers a window or aisle seat. The seat, designed by Collins Aerospace, is the widest in the market for single-aisle aircraft.
The seat reclines and features an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion for enhanced comfort. The seat back features a symmetrical stitching pattern accentuated in the centre with grey embroidery thread, creating an upholstered effect for optimum comfort.
The accent, the company’s brand symbol, adorns the front and rear cabin walls of the aircraft. It is embroidered on each seat, highlighting the company’s identity.
A wide solid tray table, cup holder, pouch for storing magazines/books, individual USBA and C ports and a tablet or smartphone holder integrated into the backrest complete the package.
Keep connected
In all cabins, passengers on the Airbus A220-300 enjoy Air France Connect, the airline’s inflight Wi-Fi service. Thanks to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi network, which is available throughout the flight, customers can easily stay connected from their personal devices.
The Air France Connect portal offers them three passes according to their needs, including one that is free of charge and allows them to send and receive messages during the flight. Customers can also find all the information related to their flight and their connections.
In addition, thanks to the Air France Play app, customers can download a wide selection of newspapers and magazines onto their smartphone or tablet up to 30 hours before departure.
Elegant French design
The bright and spacious cabin is decorated in the Air France signature colours. It features shades of blue, a strong presence of white providing light and contrast, and a hint of red to symbolise the airline’s excellence and know-how.
The carpet revisits the traditional ornamental herringbone pattern, symbolising the emblematic Haussmann-inspired world of Parisian apartments.
Large panoramic windows provide natural light. From boarding to landing, eight specially-adapted cabin mood lighting settings create bright, dynamic lighting for the welcome and disembarkation phases and softer lighting for a more relaxed, serene atmosphere during the flight.
The spacious baggage racks are easy to access, and the central aisle is particularly wide.
Fine dining onboard
In Business on European flights, passengers are now offered a full meal tray. For breakfast, a cold snack is served with a Lenôtre croissant and warm bread, as well as jam, butter, fresh fruit or cream cheese. For the rest of the day, a cold gourmet dish designed by François Adamski (Servair corporate chef, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” and “Bocuse d’Or”) is accompanied by cheese, dessert and warm bread.
On long haul flights, a selection of high-quality French biscuits and fine chocolates are offered at tea and coffee time.
A wide range of French wines and champagne selected by Paolo Basso (named the world’s best sommelier in 2013), as well as a large selection of hot and cold drinks, accompany the delicacy of the gourmet dish.
In Economy, depending on the flight departure time, sweet biscuits or sandwiches, including a vegetarian option, are offered to all passengers. A choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is also available.
Art de vivre!
The Air France A220 is the expression of the french art de vivre! That’s why Air France has revived a legendary tradition by naming its aircraft after French cities. This is a way for the airline to highlight the various different regions of France, which are all steeped in history and culture, and to contribute to their reputation and visibility through the cities it serves.
