Air France reached a symbolic milestone on Thursday (March 30th), as the airline took delivery of their 20th Airbus A220-300, which has been named ‘Grasse.’ By 2030, the A220 will account for 70 percent of Air France’s fleet, compares to only 7.0 percent today.
On Thursday (March 30, 2023) Air France celebrated the milestone delivery of their 20th Airbus A220-300, which has been named ‘Grasse’. The latest flagship of the carrier’s medium-haul fleet, the A220 will account for 70 percent of Air France’s fleet by 2030, compared to only seven percent today. The aircraft, registration F-HZUU, rolled off the airbus assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec, and upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will operate on short and medium-haul routes. Grasse will make its first passenger revenue flight on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 with service to Geneva, Switzerland.
The aircraft’s forward fuselage has been adorned with the name ‘Grasse’, a tribute to the picturesque Alpes-Maritimes region, known worldwide for its perfume industry. Starting in 2019, Air France revived their tradition of naming aircraft after French cities, celebrating the rich cultural and historical heritage of France’s regions, while promoting their reputation worldwide. Previously delivered A220s have been named Le Bourget, Collioure, Belle-Ile en Mer, Senlis and Arcachon. By the end of 2025, 60 Airbus A220-300s will join Air France’s medium-haul fleet. With up to 15 deliveries expected annually, this represents the fastest fleet entry in the history of the airline.
The Airbus A220-300 is perfectly suited for Air France’s short and Medium-haul network, and delivers a per-seat cost reduction of up to 10 percent versus the Airbus A318/319. Compared to the aircraft it replaces, the A220-300 delivers a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as a 34 percent smaller noise footprint. Air France’s Airbus A220-300s have 148 seats in a 2-3 seat configuration (5 abreast), which offers 80 percent of customers a window or aisle seat. The aircraft features the widest available seat on the market for a single-aisle aircraft, which reclines, has an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion. Additionally, seats feature a wide solid tray table, cup holder, a seat pocket, individual USB A and C ports, and a tablet or smartphone holder.
Source: Air France