Air France to deploy A380 aircraft to Shanghai

Air France confirmed (29-Apr-2013) that it will deploy A380 equipment on Paris CDG-Shanghai Pudong service with three times weekly frequency from 02-Sep-2013, becoming the first European airline to serve Shanghai with A380 aircraft. Air France configured its A380 aircraft in a four-class configuration. Air France chairman and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: "Serving Shanghai by Airbus A380 is a perfect example of our aim to expand on growth markets. On board, we aim to provide all our customers with the levels of comfort, serenity and French-style service excellence that distinguishes Air France worldwide. This new route by A380 demonstrates the excellent cooperation between the French and Chinese aviation authorities, which have made this agreement possible". Air France has created a range of services specifically tailored to accommodate its Chinese passengers including announcements in Mandarin (to Chinese destinations) and Cantonese (to Hong Kong), Chinese interpreters in-flight and multilingual agents at Paris CDG. The carrier will also amend its in-flight menu to include Chinese dishes, and its IFE system to include Chinese movies and subtitles. Air France configures its A380 aircraft with 516 seats across four cabins: nine in first, 80 in business, 38 in premium economy and 398 in economy. [more - original PR]