Air France prepares to launch 7th Airbus A350 – How much more will it take?

Air France is preparing to put its 7th Airbus A350 into service next month. The French flag carrier has already given the plane a new name ahead of its maiden flight to Toulouse this week. This A350-900 will by no means be the last to enter the fold. The airline expects at least 31 more units to join this decade.

A suitable name

The plane is named after Reims, the most populous city in the Marne department, in the Grand Est region of France. Air France used to nickname its A350s after French cities. F-HTYG will join the company from Toulouse, Lyon, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, Nice, Bordeaux and Marseille when the operator shoots.

On the way to the first flight 😎 Msn 479 will become F-HTYG for @AirFranceFR# a350 #Air France #airbus pic.twitter.com/nVzjHMXoQc

– Philippe DURAND (@ A318111) January 28, 2021

France Bleu points out that commercial services for this aircraft are expected to start in March 2021. Following this, many other additions are to come in the years to come. In total, Air France plans to take on a total of 38 units by 2025. These will be well deployed on long-haul routes across continents. Passengers traveling to the United States, Mali and Thailand can expect to be carried on the jumper.

Eurofilms documented the plane’s maiden flight at Toulouse Blagnac this week in the video below:

A strong presence

Air France’s A350s will play a leading role this decade after the carrier’s A380s withdraw. Last May, the airline announced the withdrawal of its nine other units from the superjumbo. This event was originally scheduled for 2022, but the pandemic has pushed plans forward.

Just before the rise of the global health crisis, the Air France-KLM group confirmed that it had decided to place a firm order for 10 additional A350-900s. Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM group, spoke about the advantages of the plane. Overall, his company is looking forward to the efficiency benefits.

“The rationalization and modernization of the fleet are at the heart of our efforts to regain our leading position in Europe”, Smith said in a press release seen by Simple Flying.

“This will strengthen our economic and operational performance and help us achieve our ambitious sustainability agenda. Offering a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous generation aircraft, the Airbus A350-900 is a gem of European craftsmanship and a passenger favorite. We are delighted to see it become a major asset for the Air France fleet. “

Hope for the future

Overall, despite the harsh climate amid travel restrictions amid the pandemic, all Air France Airbus A350s are still active. Once conditions improve, Air France should have no problem using its incoming units around the world.

Simple Flying has contacted Air France for further details on its Airbus A350 delivery plans. We will update the article with any further announcements from the airline.

What do you think of Air France’s Airbus A350 plane? Have you flown on any of the aircraft carrier’s units in the past? Let us know what you think of the guy in the comments section.