A world first - the Air France A380 flies to French-speaking Africa
Since 26 October 2014, Air France has been serving Abidjan by A380, the largest superjumbo in its fleet, with three weekly frequencies. The other flights are operated by Boeing 777-300 (four weekly frequencies).
This daily frequency connecting Paris to Abidjan is operated during the daytime on the way there and at night on the way back.
"The offer of regular flights by A380 to Abidjan's Félix Houphouët-Boigny airport is a strong symbol for us. It reflects our ambition to support the rapid boom of the Côte d'Ivoire and our constant efforts to offer our best products and services on flights to Africa", stated Frank Legré, Senior Vice President Africa Air France-KLM.
By operating a special flight by A380 on 28 January 2014 for the International Forum for Investments in Côte d'Ivoire, Air France had already confirmed its ambition to make Abidjan the first destination in French-speaking Africa to be served with regular flights by its superjumbo, and the second in Africa after Johannesburg. The Company wishes to support the country's development, which aims to become the main hub and gateway to West Africa, a market representing over 300 million inhabitants.
Air France, a financial partner of Air Côte d'Ivoire
In May 2012, Air France supported the creation of Air Côte d'Ivoire as strategic partner, by investing a 20% stake in its initial capital. Air France is also a technical partner of the Côte d'Ivoire airline. The Air Côte d'Ivoire fleet currently comprises three Airbus A319s and one Embraer 170, serving the major cities in West and central Africa.
Air France-KLM, a leader in Africa
This winter, Air France is operating flights to 39 destinations on the African continent, connecting it to the hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam-Schiphol as well as another 231 destinations worldwide. Its key partnerships with African airlines (Kenya Airways, Comair and kukula.com) enable the Group to offer its customers an additional 20 destinations throughout Africa.