Air France Adds 41st Airbus A220, ‘Bergerac,’ to Modern Fleet

Air France Welcomes 41st Airbus A220 with New Regional Aircraft Name

On December 29, 2024, Air France celebrated a significant milestone by welcoming its 41st Airbus A220, a 148-seater aircraft, into its fleet. This latest addition, named ‘Bergerac,’ took off from the Airbus assembly plant in Mirabel, Canada, and landed at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. The aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight to Barcelona on December 31, 2024, marked the beginning of its service on short and medium-haul routes. This event underscores Air France’s commitment to modernizing its fleet while honoring France’s rich cultural heritage.

The naming of the aircraft ‘Bergerac’ pays tribute to the town of art and history in the Dordogne region of France. This tradition of naming aircraft after French towns and cities, revived in 2019, highlights Air France’s dedication to promoting local culture and connecting regions globally. The airline’s fleet modernization efforts, including the introduction of the Airbus A220 and A350 models, are part of a broader initiative to reduce environmental impact and enhance passenger comfort.

Honoring France’s Heritage with ‘Bergerac’

Air France’s tradition of naming aircraft dates back to the 1930s, inspired by the shipping industry. Over the decades, the airline has used a variety of themes, including provinces, adjectives, constellations, birds, and castles, to name its aircraft. In 2019, Air France modernized this tradition by exclusively using names of French towns and cities, emphasizing its role in connecting regions and promoting France globally.

The naming of the 41st Airbus A220 ‘Bergerac’ is a continuation of this tradition. Bergerac, a town known for its art and history, represents the cultural richness of France. By naming its aircraft after such towns, Air France not only honors local heritage but also strengthens its connection with the regions it serves. This approach aligns with the airline’s broader mission to promote France as a global destination.

In 2024 alone, Air France introduced 22 new aircraft names, including ‘Grasse,’ ‘Lyon,’ and ‘Saint-Denis de la Réunion.’ The naming of an Airbus A350 as ‘Paris’ ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games further highlights the airline’s commitment to celebrating French culture and heritage on a global stage.

“Air France’s tradition of naming aircraft after French towns and cities is a testament to its commitment to honoring local heritage and connecting regions globally.”

Sustainability and Excellence with New Aircraft

The Airbus A220 and A350 models are central to Air France’s sustainability goals. These aircraft consume up to 25% less fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by the same amount compared to older models. Additionally, they cut noise pollution by up to 50%, making them more environmentally friendly and quieter for communities near airports.

Air France-KLM invests nearly €2 billion annually in acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft. By 2030, the group aims to have 80% of its fleet composed of the latest-generation aircraft, up from 26% in 2024. This shift underscores the group’s commitment to sustainability, excellence, and providing a superior travel experience. The Airbus A220-300, in particular, offers a 10% cost reduction per seat compared to the Airbus A318 and A319, along with a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Airbus A220-300 also enhances passenger comfort with its 148 seats in a 2-3 configuration, wide seats, adjustable headrests, leather upholstery, and individual USB ports. The cabin, decorated in Air France’s signature colors, features large panoramic windows and spacious baggage racks, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for passengers.

Global and Industry Context

The introduction of the Airbus A220-300 aligns with broader industry trends toward more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. The global aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and noise pollution, and airlines like Air France are investing heavily in latest-generation aircraft to meet these challenges.

As of November 2024, Delta Air Lines is the largest operator of the Airbus A220, with 73 aircraft in its fleet. The A220 competes with other narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and Embraer E195-E2. Air France’s efforts are part of a global push towards more sustainable aviation practices, with many airlines setting ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions.

Air France is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer by 30% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Fleet renewal, the use of sustainable aviation fuel, eco-piloting, and intermodality are key strategies to achieve these goals. The airline’s investment in modern aircraft like the Airbus A220 and A350 is a significant step toward meeting these sustainability targets.

Conclusion

Air France’s addition of the 41st Airbus A220, named ‘Bergerac,’ marks a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization and sustainability efforts. By honoring French towns and cities through aircraft naming, Air France continues to promote France’s cultural heritage globally. The Airbus A220 and A350 models, with their enhanced environmental and economic performance, are central to the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and providing a superior travel experience.

Looking ahead, Air France’s investment in latest-generation aircraft and its ambitious sustainability goals position the airline as a leader in the global aviation industry. As the industry continues to evolve, Air France’s efforts to balance tradition, innovation, and environmental responsibility will play a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel.

FAQ

Question: Why does Air France name its aircraft after French towns and cities?
Answer: Air France names its aircraft after French towns and cities to honor local cultural heritage and promote France’s regions globally. This tradition, revived in 2019, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting regions and celebrating French culture.

Question: What are the environmental benefits of the Airbus A220?
Answer: The Airbus A220 consumes up to 25% less fuel, reduces CO2 emissions by the same amount, and cuts noise pollution by up to 50% compared to older aircraft models.

Question: How many Airbus A220s does Air France plan to have in its fleet by 2025?
Answer: Air France expects to have 60 Airbus A220-300s in its medium-haul fleet by the end of 2025, with up to 15 deliveries per year.

Sources: TravelWires