FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, October 11, 2013 – On October 7th, 1933 at 4pm, Air France was officially inaugurated at La Bourget airport, by the Air Transport Minister Pierre Cot. The new airline was formed from the merger of Air Orient, Air Union, Société Générale de Transports Aériens, the CIDNA and Aéropostale. Since the days of its first commercial flights, Air France has made comfort and service on board one of its priorities. Over time, the greatest artists, the most prestigious designers and the most famous chefs have contributed to making Air France and French culture famous all over the world. Air France is kicking off a year of anniversary celebrations marked by numerous events for the Company’s staff and customers. This is the occasion to retrace 80 years of creativity and the art of welcoming travelers, as well as stories of elegance, film, design and innovations.
Dedicated events for staff
Air France wishes to place its staff at the heart of this anniversary year. The in-house newsletter, radio and intranet are all adopting the Air France colors. A “The sky, our passion” exhibition is being inaugurated at the Air France head office, and will then go on tour within the Company.
Two aircrafts sporting the 80th anniversary logo
In partnership with Airbus, an Airbus A380 with an 80th anniversary logo will fly to Johannesburg tonight. An Airbus A320 will sport the same logo shortly. They will keep this special livery for one year.
Lots of surprises for customers
On board, in a special October issue, Air France Magazine retraces ’80 years of Air France’, from 1933 to the present day. The magazine has articles on its cultural history: a ‘graphic journey’ with its posters, ‘the colors of the sky’ used by artists, ‘style icons’ with its elegant uniforms and the ‘Air France brand’ with its lounges, ticket offices, etc. As an added extra, the magazine also includes an exclusive short story by David Foenkinos entitled ‘Before Alice'. Every month during this anniversary year, a famous writer will publish a short story for Air France Magazine readers on the theme of travel. A collection of these stories will be published in autumn 2014. Throughout the year, products customized in the 80th anniversary colors will be offered to customers on-board: paper menus, hot towels, amenity kits, cups, in-flight entertainment, and more.
Online
A website devoted to Air France’s 80th anniversary tells the story of 80 years of passion: network, professions, design and customers, illustrated by many photos and videos. 80th anniversary website
A video has been created highlighting Air France's 80 years of accomplishment: watch it here
AIR FRANCE PRESS CONTACT
U.S. Contact:
Aaron Stein
Air France-KLM USA
212 830 4178
aastein@airfrance.fr
http://corporate.airfrance.com
