For over 30 years, The Air France Foundation helps children and young people in precarious situations. It supports community projects in France and abroad. It works in three areas: access to education and employment, raising awareness of environmental issues and humanitarian sponsorship.
" We may be a private, commercial company, but as a national airline we also have an important role to play. social and societal role. What we are expressing in particular through the Air France Foundation" explains Anne RigailChief Executive Officer of Air France, who chairs the Air France Foundation.
Around 40 projects supported each year
Since its creation, the Foundation has supported some 900 projects in over 80 countries. " We receive between 600 and 800 applications from the Foundation every year. We then select these projects on the basis of a rational choice. This means education, integration, seriousness and, above all, long-term action. In the end, we support around 40 projects a year." describes Estelle Brice, Head of the Air France Foundation.
For the 2025-2026 period, these are 36 projects selected and will receive support from the Foundation. For 80% of them, this is a renewal of support already in place. This illustrates the Foundation's commitment to long-term support.
To guide and promote its activities, the Foundation relies on its trustees. Some of them have an international reputation, such as street art artist Seth, and astronaut Thomas Pesquet.
He was in fact a former Air France pilot. " As a former Air France employee, I've always had a very strong bond with the company. And even more so with the Foundation, for which I have a great deal of affection. I tried to add a bit of soul to everything I did. I found it by getting involved with a number of associations, starting with the one that was closest to my heart: the Air France Foundation. "he says.
Miles and a collection platform
Naturally, the Foundation benefits from the commitment of many of the airline's staff. There are over 5,000 of them in all the Air France professions. But it also relies on the generosity of passengers. One of the Foundation's special features is allow Flying Blue Miles to be used to finance concrete actions.
These Flying Blue miles are then converted into practical actions supported by the associations. They can be used to send school supplies, transport sick children to hospitals, or provide educational support in isolated areas. Donations can be made directly on the Flying Blue website: flyingblue.com/en/mileshub/donate. " It really works, and helps finance hundreds of tickets." adds Estelle Brice.
This September, the Air France Foundation is extending its donation opportunities. New fundraising platform allows you to make donations onlineby regular or occasional direct debit by bank card.
" This time it's open to everyone, with no obligation to be a passenger.. You can give as much as you like in a single payment or spread out over time. A tax receipt is issued for each contribution, entitling the donor to a reduction in income tax. And we send out a newsletter with the charity selected for the donation, reporting on progress in the field for vulnerable children." adds Estelle Brice.
This platform can be accessed at dift.com/donation/foundation-airfrance
" Since its creation in 1992, the Air France Foundation has supported more than 1.5 million children and young people in difficultysick or disabled people around the world "said Anne Rigail. The Foundation's support is divided geographically, with one third in France, one third in Africa and the remaining third in Latin America, Asia and a little in Europe..
