Air France is adding to its long haul fleet, with the addition of 10 Airbus A350 aircraft.
Air France Airbus A350 – Image, Airbu
This increases the order for the type from Air France from 28 to 38 frames in total.
The aircraft being ordered by Air France-KLM will be for the A350-900 type (the launch variant of the A350).
Air France currently has three of the type in service. They will be using them to replace older aircraft such as the A340-300.
Whilst not a pure-Airbus operator, the airline has a substantial fleet of Airbus aircraft – totalling 159 frames.
In Quotes
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group.
“Rationalising and modernising the fleet is central to our effort to regain our leading position in Europe,”
“It will strengthen our performance from both an economic and operational standpoint, and will help us deliver on our ambitious sustainability agenda. Offering a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft, the Airbus A350-900 is a jewel of European expertise and a passenger favorite. We are excited to see it become a core asset of the Air France fleet.”
Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer
“Ben is leading an impressive transformation at Air France-KLM and we feel honoured that our A350 XWB aircraft have been selected as part of this endeavor,”
Simplifying the fleet
The curve of the Air France A350 Shaklet – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
Air France is aiming to simplify its fleet – and these aircraft will go some way to do that in the long haul family. By 2023, the long haul fleet will be made up of Airbus A330s and A350s, and Boeing 787s and 777.
Yes, the A380 and A340 will be long gone – with the airline aiming to withdraw the A340s by first quarter of 2021.
That simplicity will have savings for the airline – in respects of having common type ratings (allowing pilots to work in their fleets), as well as simplified maintenance and operational costs.
And with the chance to reduce costs, an airline is foolish to ignore that chance.
Air France has taken the chance to grab it with both hands.
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