Why Air France Prefers Airbus Planes Over Boeing

Air France, like many other airlines, has a diverse fleet of aircraft from different manufacturers. Interestingly, Air France currently has more Airbus planes than Boeing planes in their wide-body fleet. This article explores the reasons behind this preference.

Overview of Air France's Fleet

Air France, including its sister company KLM, operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. While many of the single-aisle planes come from Airbus, their wide-body aircraft are predominantly from Boeing. Specifically, Air France has been a major operator of Boeing's 777 model.

Rationale for Preferring Airbus

Despite having a significant number of Boeing aircraft, Air France is making a strategic move towards Airbus. They have ordered 50 A350s with 40 options, complementing their Boeing fleet with a mix of 777-300ERs. There are several factors that contribute to this preference:

The Size and Range of Aircraft

For some routes, the Airbus A350 is more suitable than the Boeing 787. The 787 is relatively smaller and lacks the necessary range for long-haul flights, especially when Russian airspace is closed. Longer routes require more spacious aircraft to accommodate passengers and their luggage effectively.

Certification and Availability of the 777X

The 777X, a newer model designed to compete with the A350, is yet to be certified and will not be available for some time. This delays the potential entry of the 777X into Air France's fleet, giving Airbus's offering an early advantage.

Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Payload Capacity

When fully fueled, the A350-900 can carry a much larger payload—approximately 42 tons, which can support around 420 passengers and their luggage—compared to the 777-9, which can only carry about 16.5 tons, or 165 passengers and their luggage. This makes the A350 a more efficient choice for Air France in terms of load capacity and fuel efficiency.

Industry Perspective

Interestingly, insiders suggest that Air France's preference for Airbus might be influenced by France's significant stake in Airbus Industries. This strategic alliance could make a difference in procurement decisions. However, industry experts caution that these factors should be viewed within the context of a complex decision-making process involving range, pricing, and slot availability.

The Decision-making Process

Air France-KLM cites a range of factors when deciding on aircraft renewal, including aircraft range, pricing, slot availability, and the aggressiveness of Airbus in the market. The European planemaker is noted for being more proactive in competing with Boeing, which may play a significant role in Air France's choice.

Ultimately, the choice between Airbus and Boeing reflects a delicate balance between technological capabilities, market demand, and strategic partnerships in the aviation industry.