L'Avion, the new French carrier from the Elysair group, is setting out to conquer the Paris-New York route thanks to an innovative concept: a unique business class offered at low-cost prices, with a basic business class fare of 30 % to 40 % cheaper than the competition. According to Marc Rochet, Chairman of Elysair's Management Board, L'Avion aims to carry 300,000 passengers a year and to turn a profit after 18 to 24 months in operation.
L'Avion applies the tried and tested recipes of low-cost airlines: a streamlined administrative structure, a single aircraft model (the Boeing 757-200 with 90 seats), a single business class and local airports, in this case Orly for Paris and Newark for New York. On board, passengers benefit from a seat that reclines to 140° with 120 cm of space, an interactive video and a computer socket.
On the ground, lounges welcome passengers at Orly and Newark. If it proves a success, other destinations should be added over the next three years. Boston and the Middle East are in the sights, according to Marc Rochet.
