Air France to replace 747s with 777s and A380s

Air France-KLM has approved the order of 18 777 cargo and passenger aircraft and the conversion options on two more A380s to replace their 747 fleet. They are 5 777 Freighters in addition to the five 777-200 Freighters they're receiving this year, and 13 777-300ER passenger versions.

The A380s will bring the total for Air France-KLM to 12. They'll receive three aircraft a year between 2009 and 2012. All 747-400 aircraft will be replaced by 2012 as well.

They are also replacing 30 aging Airbus planes already in the fleet. 18 of the new aircraft will come from Airbus, with the rest from leasing companies.

Air France-KLM’s board has approved the order of 18 Boeing 777 passenger and cargo aircraft and the conversion options on two more Airbus A380s.

The airline is to add 13 Boeing 777-300ERs passenger aircraft and five Boeing 777 Freighters.

The five freighters are in addition to five 777-200 cargo aircraft due for delivery this year to replace its 747-200 freighters.

Announcing the decision today during a full-year results conference this morning, Air France chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta said the new aircraft would replace all its remaining 747-400s by 2012.

Air France Order