On Wednesday 21 January 1976, at 12.40pm, the Air France Concorde (registration F-BVFA) made its first commercial flight to Rio de Janeiro after a stopover in Dakar. That day, after just 7 hours and 26 minutes in the air, Air France inaugurated its supersonic era, which would continue for 27 years, until 2003. At an altitude of some 18,000 metres - twice as high as other long-haul aircraft - passengers could admire the curvature of the Earth through the windows.
Seating up to 100 passengers, Concorde reached a cruising speed of Mach 2.02, or 2,170 km/h. Its slender silhouette, unique and instantly recognisable, had a wingspan of 26 metres, a length of 62 metres and a height of 12 metres.
A veritable technological showcase and concentrate of innovation, the Concorde is a legendary aircraft that embodied (and still embodies) Air France's aviation excellence. This key chapter in its history has left a lasting technological and cultural imprint on the airline. A symbol of Franco-British know-how, it remains today a major reference point in the airline's identity. Air France therefore had a duty to celebrate this precious heritage and inexhaustible source of inspiration.
There's nothing like watching the Concorde saga. Since 21 January, Air France has been posting on its YouTube channel a groundbreaking documentary entitled "Air France Concorde: they made the legend fly". Featuring testimonials from airline employees who flew the White Bird and Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM and Chairman of Air France, this exceptional documentary offers almost 40 minutes of immersion at the heart of the legendary aircraft.
Concorde, aerial luxury at its best
It's also an opportunity to show that the aircraft was not just a paragon of technological excellence. The Concorde was also a paragon of design, fashion and in-flight service.
Since its inaugural flight in 1976, Concorde stands out for its excellence. The service is on a par with the supersonic: champagne and fresh Périgord truffles in Lenôtre puff pastry are fast becoming classics. On board, every detail counts to deliver a luxurious experience.
Admittedly, the cabin is narrow. Designed in the 1960s, it is somewhat similar to the Caravelle cabins, but in an ultra-modern version. And with a layout that called on the best designers of the time.
Air France first called on Raymond Loewy, a master of industrial design who invented everything for the first version of the supersonic jet: the décor of the reception lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, furnished with armchairs by Le Corbusier, the layout of the cabin with seats in different colours, lighting, crockery and immaculate meal trays with pure lines. In 1985 and 1988, Pierre Gautier-Delaye proposed two new cabin atmospheres: first a palette of tulip red, blue and beige, then a harmony of yellows and greys.
In 1994, Andrée Putman was the last personality from the world of decorative arts to give the Concorde a makeover. She gave it a contemporary sheen to bring it into line with the times. The 'papess' of design unveiled a new interior, with seats topped with hairpieces and a carpet adorned with a black and white geometric pattern. She has also reinvented the meal tray, which takes the form of a small, delicately pleated corrugated cardboard box. The result is a service in white porcelain, highlighted by a fine blue border, with pure shapes, from the hors d'oeuvre dish to the coffee service.
Particular attention was also paid to the uniform worn on board Concorde. In 1976, Air France called on Jean Patou to create a uniform exclusively for Concorde stewardesses. In 1985, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Concorde, it was Nina Ricci's turn to create a new uniform.
Air France Legend: a new Concorde anniversary collection
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the inaugural flight of Concorde, Air France is launching an anniversary collection that pays tribute to this icon of French aviation and its bold vision. Inspired by the aircraft's sleek lines and supersonic momentum, the range's innovative graphics express its movement, speed and precision, evoking a symbol of elegance, innovation and dreams.
An aeroplane model, a silk scarf, a scarf, a notebook or even a keyring: a dozen new items, some of them limited editions, will be gradually available from February 2026 on shopping.airfrance.com.
