The trade fair for professional tourism IFTM is always an opportunity for Air France to present its network news for winter 2024-2025, as well as its new products and services. An opportunity for Henri Hourcade, CEO France, to take stock of everything the airline will be offering in the coming months.
The increase in the company's offer will result in a network of 169 destinations in 73 countries, including 85 long-haul destinations and 84 short- and medium-haul destinations. " We are strengthening our long-haul business with four new destinations. We are opening Manila in Asia. Why Manila? Not only does it offer access to a beautiful tourist destination with over 7,000 islands, but also to a major centre for the navy and maritime traffic." explains Henri Hourcade.
Strengthening intercontinental routes
As far as Asia is concerned, the company acknowledges that the Chinese market remains complicated due to an anaemic economic recovery. " We are not returning to pre-Covid capacity. But, unlike other European airlines, we are maintaining our service from Paris. to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghaiespecially as business traffic has picked up. Nevertheless, it's true that it's a market that's become difficult to make profitable because we're at a disadvantage. compared with Chinese companies which retain the right to fly to Europe over Russia" says the Managing Director.
Also in Asia, Air France will launch in December a seasonal service to the Maldiveswith two flights a week from 20 December to 5 January. At the same time, the airline is increasing the number of weekly frequencies to Bangkok to 14. Some of the aircraft capacity freed up in Asia is being redeployed to the Americas, according to Henri Hourcade. For example, the opening of Salvador de Bahia from 28 October with three flights a week, and the continuation of year-round services to Denver and Phoenix.
Little new on short-haul routes
On short-haul routes, the changes are more cosmetic, with a few additional frequencies, notably to North Africa. And the launch of a weekly flight to Kiruna, in Swedish Lapland. On the French domestic network, Air France is preparing for the prospect of transferring all itsOrly to Transavia in 2026. " The nature of business traffic on the radial routes has changed. There has been a drop of 60% on day return trips. Although we are leaving Orly, we are strengthening our position from CDG to the major French cities, as this traffic is essential for a strong network at our hub. The withdrawal of 'La Navette' aircraft from Orly will enable us to further strengthen our position at Roissy in 2026." says Henri Hourcade.
A new Premium that stands out from Economy
In terms of products, Air France explained the need for a "rebranding of its Premium Economy. " LPremium is becoming a brand in its own right, with the abandonment of the term "Economy". The product is gaining in identity, with a strengthened quality offering." says Fabien Pelous, Customer Experience Director. It starts with a cabin whose dominant colours stand out in Economy class.
Air France Premium is also characterized by a new "Recliner" seat which inclines at 124°. " Which is in fact very similar to our long-haul business product of a few years ago." he insists. In addition to this more comfortable seat, Premium will offer dedicated in-flight catering. Passengers will enjoy dishes concocted by chefs, a more elaborate wine list and the introduction of stainless steel cutlery. Finally, a call centre will cater exclusively for Premium passengers. According to Fabien Pelous, 80 %s in the fleet will be equipped with the new Premium by the end of 2025.
