Air France Launches New Medium-haul Offer, Seeks to Attract More Business Travelers

The unveiling of the new seats for Air Frances’ medium-haul fleet. Photo © GTP

Frédéric Gagey, Chairman and CEO of Air France. Photo © GTP

With quick and easy access through the airport, new leather seats on board the aircraft, new gourmet attentions and a more flexible option for business customers, Air France aims to win the medium-haul battle on flights to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Since unveiling its new long-haul offer, the Company is pursuing its move upmarket on its medium-haul network with an investment of 50 million euros. According to the airline, Air France has listened to its customers, questioned travel managers and collected feedback from close to 10,000 people in building its new offer.

“Winning the preference of each of our customers on departure from Europe by repositioning Air France among the world’s leading airlines in terms of products and services is a strategic priority of the Perform 2020 plan,” Frédéric Gagey, Chairman and CEO of Air France, said during a press conference on Thursday, 27 November.

A new more comfortable seat

Starting in April 2015, Air France will gradually introduce a completely redesigned seat on board its medium-haul fleet. The seats, upholstered in high-quality leather in all the cabin classes, will offer optimum travel comfort, ideal for working, resting or enjoying a meal before arriving at destination.

The completely redesigned seats to be introduced on board the medium-haul fleet of Air France. Photo © GTP

The new seat will be fitted out on 24 Airbus A319s in the first half of 2015. It will subsequently equip 25 Airbus A320s during the first half of 2016. In total, 7,800 seats will be installed.

Business travelers at the heart of Air France’s special attentions

In terms of fares, Air France has designed a new tailored offer dubbed “Economy Flex” for business customers. Tickets will go on sale in January 2015 for flights starting in April 2015.

– Tickets are modifiable and refundable at no extra charge;
– Customers can take a flight earlier than initially scheduled, the same day, at no extra charge;
– Access to the Skypriority services for a quick and easy airport experience;
– On board, passengers are systematically allocated seats at the front of the Economy cabin, allowing them to board and disembark in priority;
– A new offer that can be fully combined with the other available fares. For example, a customer can reserve an “Economy Flex” fare on the outward flight, and make the return flight with a “Mini” fare.
– An item of hold baggage weighing no more than 23 kilos is authorized free of charge. One bag and an accessory (handbag, laptop, camera) not exceeding 12 kilos can be carried in the cabin;
– Possibility to earn Miles as part of the Flying Blue frequent flyer program.

With its vast network, a wide choice of flight times and innovative services, Air France intends to now more than ever, make the best use of its strengths to become the privileged partner of business travelers.

A more gourmet dining offer

In Business class, even on the shortest flights, passengers will be offered a full breakfast in the morning (coffee, tea, fruit juice, bread and pastries), a snack or cold meal at other times of the day. Service on longer flights will be modeled on that of long-haul flights. A welcome drink, hot meals, wine service, gourmet coffee and liqueur will be offered. On all flights, warm pastries and crusty bread will be served directly from the oven.

In Economy, on short flights, all customers will be offered larger croissants, a choice of sweet or savoury items or more gourmet sandwiches depending on the time of day. On longer flights, passengers will be able to enjoy a hot meal. Throughout the flight, a wide selection of beverages (with or without alcohol) will be available in all cabins.