NEWS: Change is in the air

Too high prices, poor service and comfort business class passengers on flights to Lome are not stingy with criticism. They are often justified. 

It is true that compared to Gulf companies (Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad) the gap is significant.

The carrier has long been satisfied with a captive audience - this is particularly true in West Africa - not to make great efforts towards the quality of services.

But faced with the threat from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, the company has decided to react.

If side rates, no drop is hoped, that recently confirmed Legré Franck, director of the Africa Air France-KLM network upmarket is now the top priority.

We want to provide a new travel experience, explains Marine Gall, the director of the long-haul customer experience in the following interview.

But regulars Lome-Paris flight will have to wait at least 2 years with the arrival of new cabins look of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

What is this new experience offered by Air France?

Marine Gall: The idea is to be retrofitted and evolve all cabins Air France long-haul. The first step is for the 44 Boeing 777 (this type of device is not operated on the Paris-Lomé, ed.) A modernization program will be completed in 2017.

A plane is like a house, beautification work is needed every 10 to 12 years. And then, competition leads to regularly reflect on innovations to make. 

Our project will cost 500 million euros for more comfort and more enjoyment for our passengers.

Are destinations in West Africa affected by this upmarket?

Marine Gall: This deployment started with some destinations in 2014.

In 2015, we will serve three stops in Central Africa, Douala, Yaoundé and Libreville and many more the next two years.

The Airbus A330 will also be completely renovated. In contrast, A340, older, will be leaving the fleet to be replaced by more modern aircraft, the Boeing 787.

The new First cabin on B777

Ultimately, it is the totality of the Air France fleet that will offer this new travel experience.

The regulars of the Paris-Lomé line want to know when the cabins will be redeveloped

Marine Gall: Lomé is served by Airbus A340. This aircraft will leave the fleet in two or three to make room for the Boeing 787.

These provide all new cabins in all classes.

Passengers complain about the lack of comfortable seats in Business, Premium and Economy. Air France is aware?

Marine Gall: Indeed, and passengers are right. The new development is a complete break with the existing cabins. In three classes there will be much more comfort, more space.

In premium economy, we worked a lot seat comfort, quality foams. In business cabin, it is a revolution.One is increased from 7 to 4 armchairs front.

No more stepping over its neighbor. Finally, the in-flight entertainment offer will be completely revised and ground services improved.

And the prices in?

Gall Marine: We are very clear. This upscale all will not be accompanied by rate increases.