Air France to retire A380s, orders up to 90 A220s

Air France is to retire its 10 A380s by 2022 and has ordered up to 90 of the 150-seat regional A220-300 Chief Executive Benjamin Smith, tasked last year with streamlining the airline's operations, said the A220s would be cheaper to fly while also "significantly reducing CO2 and noise emissions". The order is for 60 firm with 30 options. There are also 30 acquisition rights. SEE: Emirates 777X struts her stuff  “The acquisition of these brand new A220-300s aligns perfectly with Air France–KLM’s overall fleet modernisation and harmonisation strategy,” said Mr Smith. "This aircraft demonstrates optimum operational and economic efficiency and enables us to further improve our environmental footprint thanks to the A220’s low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. It is also perfectly adapted to our domestic and European network and will enable Air France to operate more efficiently on its short and medium-haul routes.”

“It is an honour for Airbus that Air France, a long-standing valued customer, has endorsed our latest family member, the A220, for its fleet renewal plans,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to supporting Air France with our A220 by bringing the latest technologies, efficiency levels, and environmental benefits. We are delighted to embark on this partnership and we are looking forward to seeing the A220 flying in the Air France colours,” added Faury Mr Smith said that “these decisions support the Air France-KLM Group’s fleet competitiveness strategy. They follow the recent orders for A350s and Boeing 787s that Air France and KLM have placed. "We are very pleased to work with Airbus to add the A220-300 to our fleet, an aircraft that demonstrates optimum environmental, operational, and economic efficiency. The selection of the Airbus A220-300 supports our goal of a more sustainable operation, by significantly reducing CO2 and noise emissions. "This aircraft will also provide our customers with additional comfort on the short- and medium-haul network and will provide our pilots with a connected cockpit with access to the latest navigation technology. This is a very important next step in Air France’s transformation, and this evolution in Air France’s fleet underlines the Group’s determination to attain European airline leadership.” The A220 is the Bombardier C Series and was rebranded after Airbus bought the majority share last year. On the A380 Mr Smith said that the "A380 consumes 20 to 25 per cent more fuel per seat than new generation long-haul aircraft, and therefore emits more CO2." Air France said that it is studying potential replacements for the A380s.