Air France-KLM CEO details future fleet composition for Air France

5 November, 2019

Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith, speaking at Air France-KLM's investor day presentation, outlined (05-Nov-2019) the future fleet composition for Air France. The airline will aim to reduce cockpit types from nine currently to five across the fleet to reduce fleet, operations, maintenance and training complexities. Details include:

  • Regional:
    • Targeting regional fleet of 50 to 60 aircraft;
    • Phase out of ATR and Embraer ERJ145 aircraft in the short term;
    • Retention of Bombardier CRJ1000 and E190 aircraft;
    • Decision to retain CRJ700/E170 under evaluation dependant on finding a cost structure that "makes sense";
  • Medium haul:
    • Targeting fleet of 110 to 115 aircraft;
    • Phase out of A318/A319 aircraft to focus only on A320/A321, with a future replacement to be announced;
    • Future options for A220-300 and possible A220-500 equipment;
  • Long haul:
    • Targeting fleet of 118 to 123 aircraft;
    • Retirement of A380 fleet;
    • Reduce pilot type rating to two types between A330-200 and A350-900 and Boeing 777-200ER/-300ER and 787-9;
    • Assumption that it will retain 787s in Air France;
    • Phase out of A340-300s in the short term, and possible A330-200 retirement "when it makes sense".