Air France Takes Delivery of First Airbus A380

Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380. The French carrier is the first European airline to fly the all-new double-deck aircraft on scheduled services.

The Air France A380, which is the twentieth A380 delivered by Airbus, features 538 seats in a three class configuration (nine First, 80 Business and 449 Voyageur Economy). The cabin features innovative mood lighting with several different lighting scenarios to create a calm atmosphere and environment for its passengers.

"Each A380 will enable Air France to save 12 to 15 million euros a year, which, in today's depressed economic climate, provides the company with the means to withstand the crisis" said Pierre-Henri Gourgeon Chief Executive Officer of Air France KLM. "Air France will therefore be able to offer customers even greater comfort, while keeping costs under control. Furthermore, the performance of the A380 is in line with our environmental commitments."

The aircraft is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines delivering up to 72,000 lbs of thrust each. The aircraft consumes less than three litres per 100 kilometres per passenger, and, thanks to excellent aerodynamic performance, also complies with today's strict noise limits.

The aircraft's efficient performance and industry leading technology result in higher operational flexibility and operational economics.

Air France ordered 10 A380s in June 2001 and added another two in 2007.

Air France's first A380 will start its commercial service with inaugural flights on the 20th and 21st November on the Paris - New York - Paris route.

The new Air France A380 is the 20th A380 delivered by Airbus - 10 are already flying with Singapore, five with Emirates and four with Qantas. Today 12 major international hub-airports around the world regularly welcome the A380 including: Auckland, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

The A380 fleet has accumulated over 75,000 revenue flight hours in over 7,900 commercial flights, and over 2,5 million passengers have already enjoyed flying the new aircraft.

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