Air France has marked the 88th anniversary of its Paris–Hong Kong route with a reception at PANO in West Kowloon, bringing together government representatives, clients, partners and other stakeholders.
The airline first served Hong Kong on 4 August 1938, five years after its creation. The route formed part of Air France’s expansion into Asia, building on the regional network inherited from its predecessor, Air Orient.
The anniversary highlights the development of the connection between Paris and Hong Kong, from a journey involving multiple stopovers to a daily service linking the city with France and Air France’s wider international network.
Air France’s Early Route to Hong Kong
Air France’s expansion into Asia drew on the legacy of Air Orient, which had launched the Paris–Saigon route in 1932 under the leadership of Maurice Noguès. Known as the “Noguès route”, the journey covered 12,000 kilometres and took 10 and a half days. Noguès died in 1934.
In 1938, Air France extended the route to Hanoi and then Hong Kong, using the Dewoitine 338, a three-engine aircraft with 12 seats, including six reclining lounge-style seats known as “chaises longues”.
The first Air France service to Hong Kong arrived on 4 August 1938 aboard the F-AQBF Ville de Vientiane. At the time, the journey from Paris took six days and involved 18 stopovers. Hong Kong was then a British colony, known as the “fragrant harbour”.
Flights between Paris and Hong Kong were suspended in June 1940 because of the war and resumed in 1947.
The introduction of jet aircraft in 1960 marked another step in the route’s development. Air France operated Boeing 707 services to Hong Kong three times a week, with capacity for 150 passengers. Over subsequent decades, the airline increased the route’s speed, capacity and frequency as Hong Kong’s economy expanded.
Air France now serves Hong Kong daily from Paris Charles de Gaulle. The airline’s historical account cites a Boeing 777-300 flight time of approximately 12 hours, while the service information for the 2026–2027 winter season specifies the Airbus A350-900 on the route.
Watch on YouTube: 80 years of Air France in Hong Kong
Air France Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Gateway Between Europe and Asia
Steven van Wijk, General Manager of Air France KLM, Greater China, said Hong Kong remained an important link between Europe and Asia.
“Hong Kong remains a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia, embodying the values of openness and international connectivity that resonate with Air France,” said Steven van Wijk, General Manager of Air France KLM, Greater China. “We are proud to have been part of this vibrant city’s journey and remain dedicated to strengthening the bonds that connect Hong Kong to the world.”
The anniversary reception also recognised the contribution of customers, partners and authorities to the airline’s operations and network recovery.
Looking ahead, Air France said it would continue investing in premium customer experiences, digital innovation and fleet renewal under the Air France-KLM Group. The airline also identified sustainability as a priority for its future operations.
Noud Duyzings, Senior Vice President, Air France KLM, The Netherlands & International Markets, said the anniversary reflected the airline’s history and its future ambitions.
“Celebrating 88 years fills us with pride for our heritage and confidence in our future,” said Noud Duyzings, Senior Vice President, Air France KLM, The Netherlands & International Markets. “While the world evolves, our mission remains constant: to bring people together, foster cultural understanding, and create memorable journeys.”
Air France Schedules 21 Weekly Flights to Greater China
From 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027, Air France will operate 21 weekly flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and its three Greater China gateways: Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Passengers can connect from these cities to destinations across the airline’s international network.
The Paris–Hong Kong route will be served by the Airbus A350-900, configured with 292 seats across three cabins:
- Business: 48 seats
- Premium Economy: 32 seats
- Economy: 212 seats
Air France is equipping the Airbus A350-900 serving Hong Kong with its new Starlink Wi-Fi service, which offers high-speed internet connectivity throughout the flight.
The airline’s published daily schedule, in local time, is as follows:
| Flight | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| AF188 | Paris Charles de Gaulle, 23:30 | Hong Kong, 18:55 the next day |
| AF185 | Hong Kong, 22:45 | Paris Charles de Gaulle, 05:50 the next day |
Air France Highlights Its In-Flight Dining Programme
Air France is continuing to develop its in-flight dining programme through partnerships with chefs holding Michelin stars and specialist pastry chefs.
The menus cover cabins from La Première to Premium Economy and feature seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. According to the airline, sustainable practices also form part of its dining programme on flights departing from Paris.
The anniversary comes as Air France continues to develop its Paris–Hong Kong service through aircraft renewal, onboard connectivity and cabin offerings.
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