Air France introduces new A220-300 as backbone of medium-haul flying

Today saw Air France take delivery of its first Airbus A220-300, the company’s most modern aircraft in the fleet on its short and medium-haul network. The airline has been on a massive fleet renewal program since introducing the Airbus A350 on its long-haul network, and by 2025 it will have integrated the 60 A220-300s ordered in 2019 to gradually replace its Airbus A318s and A319s as well as several Airbus A320s.

This order – the largest from a European customer – includes an additional mix of 30 options and 30 purchase rights.

“This new aircraft with an unparalleled energy performance represents a major asset for Air France. To date, fleet renewal is the main source of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and this is why we are continuing to invest in latest-generation aircraft. We are also activating all the levers at our disposal such as sustainable fuels or eco-piloting, as part of our contribution to promoting a carbon-neutral air transport industry and positioning ourselves as a leading player of a more sustainable aviation”stated Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM.

The Air France Airbus A220-300 passenger count is comparable to its other single-aisle aircraft. The 148 seats, in a 3-2 seat configuration offers 80% of customers a window or aisle seat. As expected It continues to offer two travel cabins, Business and Economy, and being a modern aircraft, access to Air France Connect, the airline’s inflight Wi-Fi service which can be enjoyed on passengers own devices.

Unique to the A220, the seat is the widest on the market. It reclines to 118 degrees and has an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion for enhanced comfort. A wide solid tray table, cup holder, a pouch for storing magazines and books, individual USB A and C ports and tablet or smartphone holder integrated into the backrest complete the package.

The cabin, the most sacious and brightest in its category, is decorated in the Air France signature colours – shades of blue, a strong presence of white providing light and contrast, and a hint of red symbolize the airline’s excellence and know-how. The carpet might be the scene stealer here, and subtly reflects Air France’s desire to shun away utilitarian reliance on colour, but more the textures, patterns and emotions that French culture represents. The traditional ornamental herringbone pattern symbolises the emblematic Haussmann-inspired world of Parisian apartments.

Large panoramic windows provide natural light for the duration of the trip. From boarding to landing, specially-adapted cabin mood lighting settings create bright, dynamic lighting for the welcome and disembarkation phases and softer lighting for a more relaxed, serene atmosphere during the flight. The spacious baggage racks are easy to access. The central aisle is particularly wide, allowing customers to move about at ease.

This is a stunning addition to Air France’s fleet. It’s modern, bright and elegant, and seemingly elevates Air France’s medium and short-haul network to the core brand pillar of ‘effortless style’ that comes to mind when travelling with the French legacy carrier.