Announced on June 15th, Air France plans to operate scheduled flights from Paris to Shanghai once weekly. As the relevant Chinese authorities began to relax travel restrictions, Air France announced that it would resume passenger service on the Shanghai route in Mainland China from June 18, 2020, with one flight per week, operated by Boeing B777-300.

Depending on government approval, travel restrictions and customer needs, Air France will gradually increase the frequency of passenger flights to China.

The first Air France flight AF198 to China will depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 23:30 on June 18, 2020, and arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 16:45 on June 19.

In addition, Air France plans to operate scheduled flights from Paris to Shanghai once weekly, and will issue an official notice after confirming flight authorisation to open sales.

From May 11, 2020, all Air France-operated flights will undergo a temperature check on passengers one by one before departure. Passengers need to wear masks throughout the flights; all crew members and agents who are in contact with passengers are also required to cover themselves.

“In the context of the new crown epidemic crisis, Air France has always put the health and safety of its passengers and staff first. All Air France team members are doing their best to protect the overall health of passengers. And safety, to ensure that passengers travel safely and worry-free. After this difficult period, we are very pleased to welcome our passengers to choose to take Air France flights again to fly to Chinese destinations.”

Mr. Pang Daoan, General Manager of Air France KLM Greater China

In addition to resuming passenger flights to mainland China, Air France and KLM will continue to operate cargo flights on Chinese routes to ensure the continued supply of medical supplies from China.

Before restarting passenger service, Air France’s operational activities were mainly focused on cargo flights between China and France, and actively participated in the air transportation of masks and medical supplies between China and France. Air France currently operates 27* flights a week on routes in Greater China, using Boeing B777 all-cargo aircraft, Boeing B777 passenger aircraft cargo bays and cabins to carry equipment for cargo operations. (*Among them: Shanghai Pudong-Paris Charles de Gaulle 5 pure cargo flights per week, Paris Charles de Gaulle-Shanghai Pudong 8 passenger-to-cargo freight flights per week, Beijing-Paris CDG weekly 7 pure cargo flights, Hong Kong-Paris Charles de Gaulle weekly 7 pure cargo flights)

At the same time, Air France is gradually increasing its 2020 summer flight plan. Air France plans to provide flights to 150 destinations worldwide this summer, accounting for 80% of the usual route network

As of the end of June, the planned flight capacity will return to 20% of the same period in previous years. Depending on the cancellation of travel restrictions in various countries, Air France will continue to gradually increase the number of flights and destinations. It is expected to reach 35% of the original flight plan in July and 40% in August.

Air France plans to lay off 8,000 to 10,000 employees by 2022.

According to the report of the French mainstream economic daily newspaper “Echo”, Air France will announce the specific number of layoffs in the company restructuring plan submitted from the end of June to the beginning of July. According to the plan, Air France will lay off employees on the basis of voluntary departure, involving multiple positions such as pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews. HOP! – Air France’s subsidiary airline, which mainly operates domestic French and European countries, may be the most affected. .