Air France Paris-Hong Kong route, USA News (Paris and Hong Kong): On October 28, 2026, Air France marked the 88th anniversary of its route between Paris and Hong Kong during an exclusive reception held at the PANO restaurant in West Kowloon. The gathering brought together representatives from the Hong Kong SAR government, clients, partners, and prominent figures to acknowledge a historic presence and reaffirm the airline’s role as a bridge linking Hong Kong, France, and its broader global network.
The service was originally inaugurated on August 4, 1938, a mere five years after Air France was established in 1933. It served as an extension of the network inherited from Air Orient, notably the renowned “Noguès line” from Paris to Saigon launched in 1932.
The initial commercial flight was carried out using a Dewoitine 338 F-AQBF named Ville de Vientiane, a 12-seat trimotor equipped with six lounge chairs. The journey lasted six days and involved 18 stopovers, traveling via North Africa, the Middle East, India, and French Indochina, with Hanoi serving as the final stop prior to reaching Hong Kong. At the time, Hong Kong was a British colony known as the “port of perfumes” and welcomed a regular French flight service for the first time.
Operations were suspended in June 1940 due to World War II and resumed in 1947. Across subsequent decades, the route saw substantial improvements in speed, capacity, and frequency. The year 1960 ushered in the jet age with the introduction of Boeing 707 aircraft, providing three weekly flights for 150 passengers and significantly reducing travel times.
Continued Development and Leadership Perspectives
Over nearly nine decades, Air France has brought its signature hospitality to Hong Kong, characterized by culinary excellence, elegance, and refined service. The airline supported the city’s economic development, including after the 1997 handover to China, while helping solidify Hong Kong’s position as a global aviation hub.
Steven van Wijk, Air France-KLM general manager for Greater China, noted during the celebration that Hong Kong remains a strategic gateway bridging Europe and Asia, embodying values of openness and international connectivity that align with Air France. He expressed pride in participating in the city’s journey and reiterated the commitment to strengthening connections between Hong Kong and the world.
Liu Chun-san, under secretary for transport and logistics for the Hong Kong SAR, highlighted that the carrier helped reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a global hub and encouraged deeper partnerships across business, tourism, and cultural sectors.
Current Operations and Modern Fleet
Today, the route operates on a daily basis utilizing an Airbus A350-900 configured with 292 seats, comprising 48 in Business, 32 in Premium Economy, and 212 in Economy. For the 2026-2027 winter season, running from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, Air France offers 21 weekly flights linking Paris and its three Greater China entry points of Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, offering seamless connections across the broader network. A350 aircraft deployed on the Hong Kong route feature high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi alongside enhanced catering designed in partnership with starred chefs and prominent pastry experts.
This 88th-anniversary observance honors both a pioneering legacy and Air France’s enduring dedication to connecting individuals, supporting cultural exchanges, and delivering memorable travel experiences.
