Air France Welcomes 50th A220 and 40th A350

Air France has reached a key milestone in its fleet renewal programme with the arrival of its 50th Airbus A220 and 40th Airbus A350, two aircraft central to the airline’s strategy to modernise operations and cut emissions.

 

The A220, named “Valbonne”, was delivered on 7 November and entered service 10 days later on its first flight to London Heathrow. It is the ninth A220 delivered this year, with three more expected by the end of 2025. The aircraft emits 20% less CO₂ and produces 34% less noise than previous models.

The new A350, named “Noirmoutier-en-L’Île”, arrived on 20 November and will soon join the long-haul network. Air France now operates 40 A350s, including five delivered in 2025, with another due before year’s end. The A350 generates 25% lower CO₂ emissions and a 40% smaller noise footprint than the aircraft it replaces.

As part of a long-standing tradition, both aircraft carry names of French cities, celebrating regional heritage. Today, 176 cities are represented across the fleet.

Air France invests over €1 billion annually in new aircraft, taking delivery of nearly two per month — the fastest renewal pace in its history. The airline aims for 80% next-generation aircraft by 2030, up from the current 34%, positioning fleet renewal as a core lever in its decarbonization plan.