Founded: 1933
Headquarters: Tremblay-en-France, near Paris, France
Main hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), with Paris Orly (ORY) for some routes
Air France is the flag carrier of France and one of the best-known airlines in the world, famous for its French style, cuisine and service. From its hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle, it connects France with destinations across every continent. Here is a profile of the airline and what passengers can expect.
A brief history of Air France
Air France was founded in 1933 through the merger of several French airlines. It became one of the pioneers of international aviation and, together with British Airways, was one of only two airlines to fly the supersonic Concorde, from 1976 to 2003. In 2004 it merged with KLM to form the Air France-KLM group, and it is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, alongside Delta and Korean Air.
The fleet
Air France operates a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Long-haul routes are flown by the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliners, while Airbus A220s and A320-family jets serve French domestic and European routes.
Network and onboard service
Air France and its subsidiaries serve around 200 destinations worldwide. Its long-haul cabins range from economy and premium economy to business class with lie-flat seats and La Première, one of the most exclusive first-class products in the world. Meals are a highlight, with menus created by leading French chefs and champagne served in premium cabins. The airline’s loyalty programme, Flying Blue, is shared with KLM.
Safety
Air France operates to strict European safety standards, with highly trained crews and a modern, well-maintained fleet.
Air France and Israel
Air France flies between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Tel Aviv, with easy connections across its global network. Its flights to Israel have been paused and resumed at times depending on the security situation – read about Air France’s daily Paris-Tel Aviv flights and check the current schedule before booking. Its low-cost sister airline Transavia has also flown between Paris and Tel Aviv.
Tips for flying Air France
- Compare fare types: Light fares include hand luggage only, while Standard and Flex fares add a checked bag and more flexibility.
- Allow time at CDG: Charles de Gaulle is large and spread across several terminals, so give yourself plenty of time to connect – see our guide to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- Plan a stopover: a connection in Paris is the perfect excuse for a day or two in the city.
Planning your trip? Read our Paris travel guide, and compare Air France with its sister airline KLM and its rival British Airways.
