A380-293P France 2016 Collector Green "1. Flight A380 AIR FRANCE PARIS-MEXICO"

12.01.2016: Inaugural flight AF438/439 CDG - MEX - CDG

The Airbus A380 replaces the Boeing 747 on Air France's Paris-Mexico route, which becomes the first airline to operate the super Jumbo in Latin America

Since January 12, 2016, Air France has been deploying an Airbus A380 between Paris and Mexico three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The daily connection is made with a Boeing 777-300ER on other days. These two aircraft succeed the Boeing 747-400 which has just been withdrawn from operational service by making its final flight on this route on January 10, 2016. From March 27, 2016, the A380 will be deployed daily between the two capitals.

For its first transatlantic crossing to Mexico, the A380 took on board some 500 passengers, almost its maximum capacity, and received a festive welcome on its arrival at Benito Juarez airport with the baptism of firefighters, televisions, mariachis and brass bands. It was also the first time that Mexico City welcomed an aircraft of this type, which required work to adapt the walkways at the terminal. The new equipment has not led to any changes to timetables. Departures remain scheduled from Paris at 1:30 p.m. (arrival at 6:40 p.m.), returns taking place from Mexico at 9:10 p.m. (arrival at 2:25 p.m. the next day). Nevertheless, Air France is increasing its capacity on the route, by offering 20% more seats compared to the Boeing 747. Air France thus becomes the first company in the world to operate an A380 regularly to Latin America.

A collection of personalized postage stamps and limited edition aerophilatelic covers, bearing the special stamps of the inaugural outward and return flights, was created especially for this “first A380 Paris - Mexico flight” of Air France.