For several years, Air France has been strengthening its medium-haul program during summer season with seasonal routes, usually not served by the Franco-Dutch group, or by its low-cost subsidiary Transavia.
Therefore, the French airline announced on Wednesday the additional destinations and frequencies for this summer.
A focus on Southern Europe
Summer means Southern Europe, and marginally North Africa, for Western European customers. It is therefore no surprise that Air France is massively strengthening its presence in Greece, with 43 additional flights per week to Santorini, Heraklion, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes and Thessaloniki. Obviously in addition to the usual frequencies to Athens.
In addition to Greece, Air France is increasing its services to Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Corsica, Croatia, and so on.
In Italy and Spain, markets where they used to operate in partnership with Alitalia (now ITA) and Air Europa respectively, Air France’s presence on many cities reflects the uncertainty and therefore the lack of cooperation with these airlines, which will soon be joining LH Group for ITA and IAG for Air Europa.
In addition, although these additional flights will operate mainly from Paris Charles de Gaulle, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca will be served from Orly, in order to use the slots available to Air France from this airport.
A more premium positioning
Obviously, the fact that Air France is positioning itself on these leisure destinations means that it canoffer its customers a more premium alternative to the experience offered by Transavia.
| Airline | Transavia | Air France |
| Travel classes | 1, Economy | 2, Business and Economy |
| Priority check-in | No. | Yes for SkyPriority passengers |
| Priority Security checks | No. | Yes for SkyPriority passengers |
| Priority immigration | No. | Yes for SkyPriority passengers |
| Access to the lounge | No. | Yes for SkyPriority passengers + 1 guest |
| Priority boarding | Yes, paying extra | Yes for SkyPriority passengers |
| Seat selection | Yes, paying extra before check-in | Yes, paying extra but free for Flying Blue Gold and Platinum members |
| Priority baggage delivery | No. | Yes for SkyPriority passengers |
Bottom line
A really good idea from Air France to position itself, even temporarily, on medium-haul leisure destinations. Their European competitors have been doing it successfully for a very long time!
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