Air France has yet again posted impressive results and announced a major fleet revamp as it seeks to phase out older aircraft.
Revealing the figures at a press conference in Paris today (24 May), the French flag carrier said that turnover was up 7.6% at ”23.07bn, ($30.97bn) while operating profit rose 32.5% to ”1.24bn.
And in a bid to compensate for extra fuel costs and a nod to the greens, Air France also says it is to step up its retirement of 13 Boeing 747-400 and five 747-400 cargo aircraft.
An Air France spokesman in Paris confirmed to ABTN that the carrier would order 18 777-300ER and two A380s ” the latter formerly on option but which have now been converted into firm purchases.
These two aircraft have been ordered taking into the account delays to the A380 programme, although the spokesman declined to say what discount Air France had obtained. Two further A380s remain on option.
”This will allow Air France to reduce its number of long-haul fleets from four to three, [namely] A330/A340, 777-200/300 and A380,” said an airline statement, adding: ”which will help to reduce costs.”
The airline will also order 30 A320/A321s ” twelve leased and 18 purchases, which will replace 20 ageing A320s.