The French remain loyal to air transport

Here's a survey that has certainly pleased the airline world and challenges the idea that the French are increasingly hostile to flying. A survey by the FNAM (Fédération Nationale de l'Aviation et de ses Métiers) carried out with the Union of French Airports and the support of Air France-KLM analysed the sociology of air passengers and the relationship between the French and air travel. The findings are likely to challenge many preconceived ideas.

" Air travel is often described as the transport of the elite. But it's exactly the opposite. Planes are used by all social classes because they are a useful, even necessary, means of transport.. 65 % of the French have a neutral view of aviation, believing that flying is neither good nor bad. Our survey shows that the proportion of people from lower socio-professional groups on board aircraft is rising steadily. They will account for 52% of all passengers in 2024. And almost 60% of people living in rural communities (with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants) take the plane. This justifies the importance of regional coverage" describes Pascal de IzaguirreChairman of the FNAM.

The figures bear this out. According to the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), the number of passengers has risen by 20 million between 2016 and 2024This represents an increase of 11% for 206 million passengers in 2024. According to the FNAM and UAF survey, 65 % of French people say they travel by planeincluding 33 % at least once a year. In the overseas territories, this proportion is even higher, reaching 95%.

Another misconception has been challenged: the younger generation, more sensitive to the ecological argument, are nonetheless the biggest consumers of flights. The under-35s account for 46% of all passengers, even though they represent only a quarter of the French population. " Once again, this segment is driven by VFR (Visit friends and relatives) and leisure travel." says Pascal de Izaguirre.

Business travel dropping down the list of reasons for flying

While the proportion of passengers taking the plane to go on holiday remained stable (48 % of users), trips to visit family or friends increased by 46 %. On the other hand, decline in business travel confirmed. Between 2016 and 2024, it lost 7 million passengers, a decrease of 15%. However, business travel remains the third largest source of air travel. with 41 million passengers last year.

" There has been a clear decline in round trips to domestic destinations and regional destinations where alternative transport services exist" adds the FNAM Chairman. The survey also shows that air travel is preferred for journeys outside France. Barely a fifth of travellers claim to use it for journeys within France. For 57% of those questioned, the plane is often the only solution for reaching certain distances..

Low prices remain the main driver of demand

When it comes to air travel, French people who fly or want to fly say they are prepared to adapt their behaviour to limit their impact. 73% say they would feel encouraged to fly if the industry became more decarbonised. The French seem to be relatively confident that the ecological impact of air travel will be reduced in the future: 70% believe that the sector will gradually decarbonise over the next few years, and 61% think that concrete efforts are already being made in this direction.

However, the price argument remains the strongest. 79% of those questioned said they would fly more if prices became more attractive. An argument which, in the eyes of politicians, justifies the increase in taxes, since it would discourage potential passengers.

And yet the French remain proud of their air transport. It is still seen as a symbol of technological progress, but also as an essential element of innovation, social cohesion and regional development. 78 % recognise that it is essential to the economic and tourism development of these regions. And the FNAM points out that the ever-increasing taxation of air transport runs counter to the principles of solidarity and development throughout France.