Air France-KLM and the ADP Groupwith the support of the French government, have unveiled a strategic partnership called "Connect France. Presented in the presence of the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, This initiative should boost the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub, while speeding up the decarbonisation of its activity.
For the two airlines, the objective is simple: to position Paris-CDG as a the world leader in air connectivity. The platform is following models that have proved successful elsewhere in the world. Singapore Airlines and Changi airport come to mind, as does Lufthansa with Munich airport. The aim is to create a symbiosis between a hub and its national airline. This partnership also aims to preserve the economic and geopolitical sovereignty of France in the face of growing competition from outside Europe.
The "Connect France" initiative also aims to maintain its economic appeal of this Parisian air hub. In fact, Air France-KLM and the ADP Group account for more than 870,000 direct and indirect jobs in France. CDG alone accounts for 11 % of French exports. Together, the two groups want to create a stronger dynamic for France's international influence.
Concrete short-term measures
Several priority actions are already underway:
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A "short connection pass to facilitate short connections from summer 2025.
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An increase in direct gangway boardingparticularly for long-haul flights. The contact rate for wide-bodied aircraft at the Air France hub currently averages around 95%. Thanks to optimized operations, double towing and the creation of new wide-body aircraft positions in 2E hall K, this rate will improve further.
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A new terminal nomenclatureThe aim is to make the airport easier to navigate for passengers. The aim is to make it easier for passengers to get around the terminal.
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The launch of a tourist stop-over in Paris, as is already the case in many major hubs outside Europe. Like Seoul-Incheon, Doha, Abu Dhabi or, once again, Singapore... The aim of this offer, from a few hours to several nights, is to create a difference by capitalising on the strength of Paris-Ile-de-France as a destination.
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The transformation of hall 2E-K as a showcase for French expertise, combining gastronomy, luxury and culture.
A stronger commitment to the environment
As part of Connect France, the two partners also want to structure a joint support for the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) sectorThe aim is to make the Paris-CDG hub a European model for decarbonisation.
When it comes to decarbonisation, the two groups are already leaders. Air France is one of the world's leading purchasers of sustainable aviation fuel and the ADP Group is positioning itself as a facilitator of low-carbon energy supplies. Sustainability must also take shape with the overhaul of rail services, which will be better integrated with air services. In particular with a station better adapted to the flow of connections.
Structuring investments are planned over the next decade and beyond. In particular, they should improve capacity management at the Air France hub at CDG. Particularly during traffic peaks. The plan also includes reducing baggage delivery times, improving punctuality, particularly on early morning flights, and managing aircraft touchdown performance.
