Air France Group Repatriates More than 270,000 Passengers

Air France and Transavia have operated more than 1,800 flights from 132 airports in 82 countries, enabling the repatriation of more than 270,000 passengers, including 150,000 French nationals, since March 14.

“In a severely deteriorated economic context [due to the COVID-19 pandemic] and at a time when most aircraft had to leave Paris empty, Air France and Transavia have introduced special capped fares for repatriation passengers,” the group said in an announcement.

These repatriation operations are now coming to an end in most regions, with the exception of certain areas such as North Africa where demand remains high, despite more than 200 flights already operated. To meet this demand, Air France will continue to operate a few flights in the coming weeks, subject to obtaining the necessary authorization.

Air France’s activity is now focused on operating a minimum flight schedule, equivalent to around 5 percent of the capacity usually available. This is designed, on the one hand, to preserve territorial continuity to major French cities and overseas territories, and, on the other hand, to maintain a lifeline with major European and international cities, enabling the transport of passengers and cargo.

Air France is also actively involved in the airlift between China and France for the transport of masks and medical equipment. Seven flights are operated every week using Boeing 777 cargo aircraft and Boeing 777s usually used for passenger transport, with equipment carried in the holds and in the cabin.