Air France have taken delivery of their first Airbus A220-300, the company's latest type in the fleet on their short and medium-haul network. This order, the largest from a European customer, includes an additional mix of 30 options and 30 purchase rights.
Named "Le Bourget" in homage to the town north of Paris which is deeply linked to the aviation industry, the aircraft sports the emblematic Air France livery.
From 31st October 2021, the Airbus A220-300 will fly to Berlin (Germany), Barcelona, Madrid (Spain), Milan-Linate and Venice (Italy) from the Air France hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. During the 2021-2022 winter season, the aircraft will gradually extend its network to Bologna, Rome (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal) and Copenhagen (Denmark).
An economically and environmentally efficient aircraft
The new Airbus A220-300 provides a cost reduction per seat of 10%, compared to the Airbus A318 and A319, and stands out for its energy efficiency, consuming 20% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces and its CO2 emissions have also reduced by 20%. Its noise footprint is also 34% lower.
"This new aircraft with an unparalleled energy performance represents a major asset for Air France. To date, fleet renewal is the main source of reducing CO2 emissions, and this is why we are continuing to invest in latest-generation aircraft."
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM
By 2030 the airline will have reduced its overall CO2emissions per passenger/km by 50% compared to 2005, or 15% in absolute terms. Air France is also committed to working with all their stakeholders and the public authorities to achieve the climate target of zero net CO2 emissions by 2050.
In-flight comfort
The Air France Airbus A220-300 has 148 seats, in a 3-2 seat configuration (5 seats across) offering 80% of customers a window or aisle seat. It offers two travel cabins, Business and Economy, and access to Air France Connect, the airline's inflight Wi-Fi service.
The seat is the widest on the market at 48 cm. It reclines to 118 degrees and has an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion for enhanced comfort. In addition there is 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 arrival of a new aircraft is always a special occasion for an airline. All the Air France teams have spent over two years preparing for this moment and we are excited to see our customers discover the optimal comfort offered by this aircraft. The cabin is more spacious, brighter and offers full Wi-Fi-connectivity, further contributing to the upmarket positioning of our offer.
Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France
Since introducing the Airbus A350 on their long-haul network, Air France is continuing their fleet renewal and by 2025 will have integrated 60 A220-300s, ordered in 2019, to gradually replace their Airbus A318s and A319s as well as several Airbus A320s.
Photos: Air France