Another new operator joins the Airbus A350 club – this time it’s Air France who has taken delivery of its A350-900.
Air France A350-900 over the French Countryside – Image, Airbus
The aircraft is the first of 28, with the delivery expected to be completed by 2025.
In terms of deployment, the fleet will be flung far and wide. According to the airline, the class will be based out o Paris-Charles de Gaulle, with the first flights commencing from 7th October.
They are:
- Abidjan (Ivory Coast): from October 2019 to December 8, 2019, and as from February 10, 2020 for the 2020 summer season
- Bamako (Mali): from October 7 2019 to December 8, 2019, and as from February 10, 2020 for the 2020 summer season
- Toronto (Canada): from October 27, 2019
- Cairo (Egypt): from December 9, 2019
- Seoul (South Korea): from December 9, 2019
- Bangkok (Thailand): 2020 summer season
Air France A350-900 over water – something it’s going to do a lot of during its career – Image, Airbus
The new Air France A350 will be operated as a three-class aircraft, with 324 seats, with 34 in the Business cabin, 24 in Premium Economy and 266 in Economy.
In business class, the seat is a Safran Aerospace Optima seat that converts into a 2 metre-long lie-flat bed. A 18.5” IFE system has been installed too. For those travelling with a companion, a partition wall can be pulled up or down as needed, in a staggered 1-2-1 formation.
Business class seats – Image, Air France
In Premium Economy, Recaro Aircraft Seating Long haul recliner is here (The PL3530). This is an 18.9” wide seat that reclines to 124°, with at 38” seat pitch. A 13.3-inch HD touchscreen is also installed. They’re installed in a 2-2-4-2 formation
Premium Economy Seats – Image, Air France
Finally in Economy, there are more seats by Safran – with a 31” seat pitch, that reclines by 118°. The seat bottom has been reinforced for ergonomic comfort. There’s also a an 11.6” HD IFE System installed. These are deployed in a 3-3-3 formation
Economy Seats – Image, Air France.
The IFE system is powered by a Zodiac RAVE system. In addition, the aircraft will have Wi-FI installed on-board for your browsing and streaming needs.
In quotes
Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France said
“The arrival of a new aircraft is always a unique and highly emotional occasion in the life of an airline. Along with all Air France staff, we are extremely proud to welcome the Airbus A350, one of the world’s most efficient long-haul aircraft in terms of environmental, economic and operational performance. As from October 7, our customers will be able to discover optimal comfort and service on board these new cabins.
The arrival of this first A350 marks a new phase in Air France’s fleet modernization strategy. Within 5 years, more than half of the company’s fleet will be made up of new-generation aircraft!”
First Commercial flight
Air France’s Airbus A350 will make its first commercial flight on October 7. It will be deployed to 6 destinations in 2020.
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Is it me or does Air France product look cold and sterile?