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Air France and Orange test Wi-Fi on board short and medium-haul flights

As from summer 2015 and during a three-month trial phase, Air France and Orange will offer Wi-Fi access on board two Airbus A320s on the short and medium-haul networks.

As from summer 2015 and during a three-month trial phase, Air France and Orange will offer Wi-Fi access on board two Airbus A320s on the short and medium-haul networks.

Stay connected with internet in the sky
Customers travelling on two Air France short and medium-haul Airbus A320s will be able to surf the Internet, read their emails, watch live TV or enjoy their favourite series with a fee-paying* Wi-Fi access offered by Orange.

Passengers will be able to use their laptops, tablets or smartphones to connect via Wi-Fi to the Internet or a portal offering a wide choice of entertainment (live TV, movies, series and music) as well as practical information aimed at making their journey even more enjoyable (connecting flight times, services available at the destination, etc.).

“Being permanently connected has become an integral part of many of our customer’s daily lives, notably for business travelers on our short and medium-haul flights. This innovative project conducted in partnership with Orange intends to meet this high expectation as closely as possible. With this Wi-Fi offer on board our aircraft, we also wish to remain on the cutting edge of developments in digital technology” stated Frédéric Gagey, Chairman and CEO of Air France.

“In-flight Wi-Fi is something that everyone is eager to experience and we are very happy to be able to meet their expectations thanks to this project conducted with Air France, a partner of reference. This is a new demonstration of the Orange group’s capacity to innovate, which is mobilizing all its expertise in the area of networks, content and business”, added Delphine Ernotte Cunci, Deputy Senior Executive Orange France.

As part of this joint project, Air France Industries is in charge of installing the equipment required for operating and maintaining the WiFi service on the two aircraft. Orange Business Services oversees the technological solution – from the supply of the satellite network, which allows to offer a Wi-Fi connection on board, to the portal accessible by passengers.

Air France seeks to attract business travelers to its medium-haul network
With quick and easy access through the airport, new leather seats on board the aircraft, new gourmet attentions and a more flexible option for business customers, Air France aims to win the medium-haul battle on flights to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, by offering the best product on the market.

Since unveiling its new long-haul offer, the Company is pursuing its move upmarket on its medium-haul network with an investment of 50 million euros. Air France has listened to its customers, questioned travel managers and collected feedback from close to 10,000 people in building its new offer.

“Winning the preference of each of our customers on departure from Europe by repositioning Air France among the world’s leading airlines in terms of products and services is a strategic priority of the Perform 2020 plan”, stated Frédéric Gagey, Chairman and CEO of Air France.

A new more comfortable seat
Starting in April 2015, Air France will gradually introduce a completely redesigned seat on board its medium-haul fleet. The seats, upholstered in high-quality leather in all the cabin classes, will offer optimum travel comfort, ideal for working, resting or enjoying a meal before arriving at destination. The new seat will be fitted out on 24 Airbus A319s in the first half of 2015. It will subsequently equip 25 Airbus A320s during the first half of 2016. In total, 7,800 seats will be installed.

A more gourmet dining offer In Business class, even on the shortest flights, passengers will be offered a full breakfast in the morning (coffee, tea, fruit juice, bread and pastries), a snack or cold meal at other times of the day. Service on longer flights will be modeled on that of long-haul flights. A welcome drink, hot meals, wine service, gourmet coffee and liqueur will be offered. On all flights, warm pastries and crusty bread will be served directly from the oven.

In Economy, on short flights, all customers will be offered larger croissants, a choice of sweet or savoury items or more gourmet sandwiches depending on the time of day. On longer flights, passengers will be able to enjoy a hot meal. Throughout the flight, a wide selection of beverages (with or without alcohol) will be available in all cabins.

Business travelers at the heart of Air France’s special attentions
In terms of fares, Air France has designed a new tailored offer dubbed “Economy Flex” for business customers. Tickets will go on sale in January 2015 for flights starting in April 2015. Efficiency, rapidity and total flexibility guaranteed.

  • Tickets are modifiable and refundable at no extra charge*;
  • Customers can take a flight earlier than initially scheduled**, the same day, at no extra charge;
  • Access to the Skypriority services for a quick and easy airport experience;
  • On board, passengers are systematically allocated seats at the front of the Economy cabin, allowing them to board and disembark in priority;
  • A new offer that can be fully combined with the other available fares. For example, a customer can reserve an “Economy Flex” fare on the outward flight, and make the return flight with a “Mini” fare.
  • An item of hold baggage weighing no more than 23 kilos is authorized free of charge. One bag and an accessory (handbag, laptop, camera) not exceeding 12 kilos can be carried in the cabin;
  • Possibility to earn Miles as part of the Flying Blue frequent flyer program.

With its vast network, a wide choice of flight times and innovative services, Air France intends to now more than ever, make the best use of its strengths to become the privileged partner of business travelers.

*tickets can be modified at no extra charge in the same booking class
** depending on seat availability.

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Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

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