Air France has today taken delivery of a new Airbus A350 called “Saint-Denis de La Réunion”.
The company is renewing with the tradition of naming its aircraft after French cities. After Toulouse and Lyon, Saint-Denis de La Réunion is the first overseas destination to be honoured. A tribute to the economic capital of this beautiful island and birthplace of aviator Roland Garros, served by Air France since 1945.
Claire Tabakian, General Manager Indian Ocean, said: “Today, Air France is illustrating its commitment to the exceptional territory of Reunion Island, a melting pot of mixed cultures with breathtaking scenery. Wherever it goes, this aircraft will represent our leading overseas island destination, marking our contribution to promoting the destination around the world.”
Gilbert Annette, Mayor of Saint-Denis de La Réunion, said: “Naming an aircraft in the national fleet after Saint-Denis de La Réunion is a natural choice. Not only because this city takes its name from another vessel, a ship which anchored in 1667 off the coast of Barachois. Not only because it is the birthplace of the famous aviator Roland Garros. Saint-Denis is in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the world’s leading trading area. Just as Airbus is a European champion, our city is a territory that meets European standards, combining performance, safety, stability and attractiveness. And like this aircraft, Saint-Denis is a territory that opens up new horizons"
The Air France A350 offers 324 seats, with 34 in the Business cabin, 24 in the Premium Economy cabin and 266 in the Economy cabin. Currently operating flights to Abidjan, Bamako and Toronto, it will soon be flying to Cairo (9 December), Seoul (9 December) and Bangkok (summer 2020).
The A350, an asset for reducing our environmental footprint
“Saint-Denis de La Réunion” is the third of the 28 A350s that will be joining the Air France fleet by 2025.
Compared to previous-generation aircraft, the Airbus A350 consumes 25% less fuel (i.e. 2.5 litres per passenger/100 km) thanks to the incorporation of materials which are up to 67% lighter – 53% composites and 14% titanium. In addition, its noise footprint is reduced by 40%.
Renewing its fleet is at the heart of Air France’s long-standing commitment to reduce its environmental footprint. Other concrete actions have also been implemented, such as weight reduction on board, reducing and recycling waste, promoting eco-piloting, reducing its noise footprint and eliminating single-use plastic items.
The new cabins on the Boeing 777 will fly to Reunion Island in 2020
As well as acquiring new aircraft, Air France is investing heavily in the refurbishment of its cabins. In this way, the Boeing 777 operating the Saint-Denis de La Réunion - Paris-Orly route will offer a reinvented travel experience in 2020, with new ergonomic seats equipped with the latest generation HD touch screens in all cabins, and a new Business seat that transforms into a real bed.
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