AIR FRANCE has accepted its maiden Airbus A350-900 at a ceremony at the manufacturer’s Toulouse/Blagnac plant. The first of 28 examples to join the French flag carrier has been equipped with a 324-seat cabin accommodating 34 business class, 24 premium economy and 266 economy passengers.
Receiving the jet, Anne Rigail, the carrier’s CEO 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. Our customers will be able to discover optimal comfort and service on board these new cabins.”
The -900s have now entered service on transatlantic, African and Asian routes, including Abidjan and Bamako, the capitals of Ivory Coast and Mali.
Connections to Toronto were launched on October 27, with Cairo and Seoul to be added from December 9. Almost two-thirds of the carrier’s 223-strong fleet is Airbus-built, including 114 single-aisle and 29 widebodies. Earlier this year it exchanged orders for six Boeing 787-9s with sister airline KLM, receiving seven A350-900s in return. (Photo Airbus)
