Air France to replace 747 fleet with 18 777s and two A380s

Air France-KLM’s board has approved the order of 18 Boeing 777 passenger and cargo aircraft and the conversion options on two more Airbus A380s.

The airline is to add 13 Boeing 777-300ERs passenger aircraft and five Boeing 777 Freighters.

The five freighters are in addition to five 777-200 cargo aircraft due for delivery this year to replace its 747-200 freighters.

Announcing the decision today during a full-year results conference this morning, Air France chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta said the new aircraft would replace all its remaining 747-400s by 2012.

The board also approved proposals to replace 30 of its older Airbus A320s with 30 new aircraft, 18 of which will come from Airbus and the remainder from leasing companies. All the new aircraft are for the Air France fleet.

Additionally, Air France-KLM’s board, yesterday, approved the decision to convert options on two more Airbus A380s, taking its total orders to 12.

Air France will take delivery of three A380s a year between 2009 and 2012.

Air France currently operates in excess of 100 Airbus narrowbodies featuring all types within the family.

Source: FlightGlobal.com