.Air France proudly announces the 70th anniversary of its direct flights between the glamorous city of Paris and the vibrant metropolis of Johannesburg. Since its inaugural flight in 1953, Air France has been the trusted partner connecting these two captivating cities, fostering cultural exchange, tourism, and business opportunities between France and South Africa.
Picture this: you step on board the sleek Boeing 777-300ER, where elegance meets modernity. Air France operates daily direct flights between Paris and Johannesburg, ensuring that your travel experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The recently refurbished cabins offer a range of options, from the cozy economy class to the indulgent premium economy and the state-of-the-art business class, where luxury and comfort take center stage.
“Johannesburg remains an important destination in Air France’s extensive network of cities around the world,” says Wilson Tauro, the Country Manager Southern Africa for Air France-KLM. “This year, we are thrilled to celebrate 70 years of direct flights between the two cities – a route that remains incredibly popular with both French and South African travelers. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service, and it is a testament to the enduring trust and loyalty of our passengers. We look forward to connecting Paris and Johannesburg for decades to come.”
But let’s dive into the captivating history that paved the way for this remarkable connection. Air France has continuously invested in the Paris-Johannesburg route, ensuring that your journey is not only comfortable but also swift. In fact, during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Air France stood tall as one of the few airlines operating repatriation flights. Together with sister airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, they carried out 97 repatriation flights to Paris and Amsterdam from Johannesburg and Cape Town, safely returning 18,934 passengers home. This incredible effort showcases the unwavering commitment of the Air France brand to the South African market.
This year, France will be hosting the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup. Naturally, South African fans are eager to watch their country defend its title live. In response to this overwhelming demand, Air France will be increasing its frequency from seven to ten flights per week between Johannesburg and Paris during the tournament. This means more opportunities for you to be part of this thrilling sporting event and cheer for your favourite team!
Air France’s connection with Johannesburg has evolved dramatically over the years. Cast your mind back to 1953 when Air France, under Union de Transports Aériens, embarked on its first flight from Paris to Johannesburg on a Douglas DC-4 aircraft. This pioneering journey covered over 8,000 kilometers, with stops in Tripoli, Kano, Brazzaville, and Livingstone. It took a staggering two days and five hours to complete. But fear not, dear travelers, as progress soon came knocking at our cabin doors.
In 1964, Air France upgraded to a Douglas DC-8 aircraft, reducing the stops to just one in Brazzaville. The new aircraft comfortably accommodated 249 passengers, completing the journey in a mere 11 hours and 17 minutes – a monumental improvement in travel time for those visiting Johannesburg.
Fast forward to 1983, when Air France introduced the Boeing 747-200 on the Paris-Johannesburg route, allowing passengers to reach their destination without a single stop for refueling. This revolutionary change enabled 271 passengers to arrive in Johannesburg in just 10 hours and 30 minutes. As demand soared, the service expanded to three flights per week, further strengthening the connection between these enchanting cities.
In the years that followed, Air France introduced a series of significant aircraft upgrades on the route. The iconic Airbus A380, known for its grandeur and luxury, serviced the Paris-Johannesburg route, becoming the first A380 to fly between Europe and Africa. From 2009 to 2023, this magnificent aircraft welcomed a staggering 516 passengers on board. However, change is the essence of progress, and in 2023, Air France introduced the Boeing 777-300ER, taking the connection between Paris and Johannesburg to new heights.
To show their appreciation, Air France currently has a promotional offer for all flights originating in South Africa booked on their website. Simply visit www.airfrance.co.za to take advantage of a fabulous 17% discount on the applicable airfare, including airport taxes and surcharges. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer, available until June 23, 2023. Terms and conditions apply, of course.
