Article from BTNews 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
A350 for Air France
Declaring “a new phase in our fleet modernisation strategy”, Air France last week welcomed its first Airbus A350, hailing the acquisition as a major asset for reducing its environmental footprint with 25% less fuel consumption, 25% less CO2 emissions and 40% less noise emissions.
The aircraft, the first of 28 due to join the Air France fleet between now and 2025, is equipped with 324 seats, with 34 in the Business cabin, 24 in Premium Economy and 266 in Economy. It will make its first commercial flight next Monday, 7 October.
To mark the occasion, Air France is returning to its tradition of naming its aircraft. After consulting staff, the company has decided to celebrate French cities, with the first A350 being named Toulouse.
CEO Anne Rigail 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.”
Destinations to be served include Abidjan from 7 October – to 8 December and from 10 February for the 2020 summer season; Bamako (Mali) on the same schedule; Toronto from 27 October; Cairo from 9 December; Seoul from 9 December, and Bangkok for the 2020 summer season.
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John Davidson, France
It's sad to see that AF has given up on first class