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Top Airlines in France: A Complete Guide
AviationOutlook
January 08, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
France maintains one of the most robust aviation networks in Europe. The nation’s carriers range from global flag carriers to specialized regional operators serving niche markets.
This guide profiles key operational airlines in France.
Table of Contents
1. Air France: The Global Flag Carrier
Air France represents the pinnacle of French aviation. Founded in 1933, this SkyTeam alliance member operates as the country’s official flag carrier from its main hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The airline serves nearly 170 destinations across 73 countries during the winter 2025-2026 season. Air France operates approximately 800 daily flights, connecting France to every inhabited continent.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Hub: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Service Type: Long-haul and medium-haul
Fleet: Wide-body and narrow-body aircraft
Network: Global coverage with emphasis on Africa, Americas, Asia
Recent network expansions include new service to Las Vegas starting April 15, 2026. The carrier’s premium cabin, La Première, now operates on routes to Atlanta and Houston as of early 2026.
2. Transavia France: Low-Cost Connectivity
Transavia France functions as the low-cost subsidiary within the Air France-KLM Group. Based at Paris-Orly Airport, this carrier specializes in affordable European and Mediterranean connections.
The airline serves 109 destinations from its Paris-Orly base during the winter 2025-2026 season. Transavia France took over several routes previously operated by Air France mainline service, particularly domestic connections to Marseille, Nice, and Toulouse.
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Parent Company | Air France-KLM Group |
Primary Base | Paris-Orly (ORY) |
Network Focus | Europe and Mediterranean |
Service Model | Low-cost carrier |
The airline positions itself as the Group’s solution for price-sensitive leisure travelers seeking European destinations.
3. French Bee: Trans-Atlantic Value
French Bee operates as France’s first long-haul, low-cost airline. This Paris-based carrier specializes in affordable transatlantic service using modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
French Bee connects Paris-Orly to destinations including New York (Newark), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. The airline also serves French overseas territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, particularly Tahiti and French Polynesia.
FLEET CHARACTERISTICS
Aircraft Type: Airbus A350-900
Cabin Classes: Economy and Premium Economy
Route Focus: Long-haul leisure destinations
Base Fare Strategy: Unbundled pricing with optional add-ons
The carrier’s “smart-cost” model provides base fares with optional services. Passengers can customize their experience from basic transportation to more inclusive packages.
4. Air Corsica: Island Connectivity Specialist
Air Corsica serves as the primary link between Corsica and mainland France. Headquartered in Ajaccio, this regional carrier operates year-round and seasonal routes connecting the island’s four airports to major European cities.
The airline connects Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari to destinations including Paris (both Orly and CDG), Marseille, Nice, Lyon, and Toulouse. International service extends to Brussels, Milan, Rome, Florence, Vienna, and Munich.
Route Type | Destinations |
|---|---|
Domestic French | Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Toulouse, Clermont-Ferrand, Dole |
International | Brussels, Milan, Rome, Florence, Olbia, Vienna, Munich |
Service Pattern | Year-round core routes plus seasonal summer service |
Air Corsica positions itself as the Corsican travel expert. The carrier understands the unique requirements of island connectivity.
5. Corsair International: Leisure Long-Haul Specialist
Corsair focuses on long-haul leisure travel to tropical destinations. Based in Rungis near Paris, this carrier specializes in routes to the Indian Ocean, West Indies, and Africa.
Corsair recently launched new service from Bordeaux to Fort-de-France, Martinique, beginning December 15, 2025. The airline operates direct flights from Paris, Nantes, Lyon, and Marseille to leisure destinations including Réunion, Mauritius, and Caribbean islands.
NETWORK SPECIALIZATION
Primary Markets: French overseas territories
Geographic Focus: Indian Ocean and Caribbean
Service Approach: Leisure-oriented scheduling
Hub Operations: Paris-Orly with regional departures
Winter 2025-2026 capacity increased with 9,000 extra seats between December 17, 2025, and January 17, 2026, serving peak holiday demand.
6. La Compagnie: All-Business Class Excellence
La Compagnie operates a unique business-class-only service model. This boutique French carrier serves transatlantic routes with 100% lie-flat seating on modern Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The airline currently connects Paris to New York, Nice, and Milan. La Compagnie became the first French airline to operate the A321neo, which reduces CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to previous-generation aircraft.
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Cabin Configuration | All business class |
Fleet Type | Airbus A321neo |
Route Structure | Transatlantic business travel |
Target Market | Corporate travelers and premium leisure |
La Compagnie received 4-Star Airline certification from Skytrax for airport and onboard product quality. The airline targets business travelers seeking affordable premium service.
7. Air France Hop: Regional Network Architect
Air France Hop operates as the regional brand within the Air France network. Formed in 2012 from the merger of Brit Air, Régional, and Airlinair, this carrier provides essential regional connectivity throughout France and neighboring countries.
The airline operates over 50 daily destinations with its own aircraft and crew. Air France Hop also operates an additional 32 destinations on behalf of Air France mainline.
OPERATIONAL SCOPE
Fleet Size: 37-50 regional aircraft
Primary Hubs: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry and Paris-CDG
Network Coverage: France and continental Europe
Service Role: Regional feeder to Air France hubs
The carrier uses aircraft seating 48-100 passengers for inter-regional routes. Air France Hop provides crucial connectivity between smaller cities and major international hubs.
8. Amelia: Versatile Regional Operator
Amelia represents the trading name of Regourd Aviation Group, a company specializing in diverse aviation services. Founded in 1976 and rebranded in 2019, Amelia offers aircraft rental with crew, charter flights, and scheduled regional service.
The carrier launched new scheduled service between Pau and Paris-Orly starting February 17, 2025. Amelia also provides aircraft and crew to Air France for certain routes, operating leased Airbus A320 aircraft from Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Service Category | Operations |
|---|---|
Scheduled Service | Regional French routes |
ACMI Operations | Aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance leasing |
Charter Services | Sports transport, corporate flights, crew transport |
Maintenance | Aircraft maintenance services |
The company’s flexible business model allows it to serve multiple market segments simultaneously.
9. Twin Jet: Regional Business Connector
Twin Jet operates as a French regional airline with headquarters in Aix-en-Provence. Created in 2001, the carrier serves as a Flying Blue partner, operating approximately 200 weekly flights to 11 destinations.
Twin Jet specializes in regional business routes connecting smaller French cities to major hubs. The airline targets frequent business travelers requiring reliable regional connectivity.
BUSINESS MODEL
Fleet: 13 regional aircraft
Primary Focus: Business travel markets
Partnership: Flying Blue frequent flyer program
Network Strategy: Point-to-point regional connections
The carrier’s regional jet fleet provides comfortable service on routes typically underserved by larger airlines.
10. Chalair Aviation: Regional Specialist
Chalair Aviation operates regional scheduled and charter services from its base at Caen-Carpiquet Airport in Lower Normandy. Founded in 1986, this carrier serves routes connecting smaller French cities to larger hubs.
Chalair destinations include Strasbourg, Geneva, Ajaccio, Aurillac, Brive La Gaillarde, Castres, Kerry (Ireland), and Limoges. The airline focuses on routes where demand cannot support larger aircraft.
Operational Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
Base Location | Caen-Carpiquet Airport, Normandy |
Route Network | Domestic French and select international |
Service Type | Scheduled and charter operations |
Market Position | Thin-route specialist |
The carrier provides essential connectivity for regions lacking alternative air service options.
11. CMA CGM Air Cargo: Multimodal Freight Innovation
CMA CGM Air Cargo represents the air freight division of the global container shipping giant CMA CGM. This French freight airline, certified by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), operates from a hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The carrier commenced operations in 2022, expanding the parent company’s multimodal logistics capabilities. CMA CGM Air Cargo operates a modern fleet including one Airbus A330-200F with 60-ton capacity and four Boeing 777F aircraft (each with 102-ton capacity) by late 2025.
FREIGHT NETWORK
Primary Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Secondary Hub: Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Additional Hubs: Belgium and China
Service Focus: Scheduled air freight with high safety standards
The airline established a long-term strategic partnership with Air France-KLM in May 2022 to leverage global air freight infrastructure.
12. ASL Airlines France: Cargo and Charter Flexibility
ASL Airlines France operates as a subsidiary of ASL Aviation Holdings, providing both passenger and freight services for over 25 years. Based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the carrier handles all types of freight worldwide for forwarders, carriers, and postal operators.
ASL Airlines France operates scheduled freight services, vacation flights, incentive flights, and VIP charters. The carrier provides wet-lease and ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) services to other airlines.
Service Line | Description |
|---|---|
Freight Operations | Global cargo for integrators and forwarders |
Passenger Charters | Vacation, incentive, and VIP flights |
Wet Lease | Aircraft and crew provision to other carriers |
Express Services | Support for postal and express operators |
The company’s diversified service portfolio provides operational flexibility across multiple aviation sectors.
13. Air France Cargo: Dedicated Freight Division
Air France Cargo functions as the dedicated freight arm of Air France, operating from Roissy-en-France (Charles de Gaulle Airport). This division provides comprehensive air freight solutions using both dedicated freighter aircraft and belly cargo capacity on Air France passenger flights.
The cargo division leverages Air France’s global passenger network to offer freight capacity to nearly 170 destinations worldwide. This integrated model provides shippers with extensive routing options.
Additional French Registered Operators
Several smaller carriers maintain French registration for specialized operations:
SPECIALIZED CARRIERS
- Finist'air: Regional operations from Brittany
- iGavion: Regional service from Dole Tavaux
- St-Barth Commuter: Caribbean inter-island service
- Air Antilles: French Caribbean regional routes
- Oya Vendée Hélicoptères: Helicopter services
These carriers serve niche markets where conventional airline service proves uneconomical. They provide essential connectivity for island communities and remote regions.
Charter and medical evacuation operators including Pan Européenne, Phenix Aviation, OpenFlight, and AstonJet maintain French registration. These companies serve on-demand markets requiring flexible scheduling.
My Final Thoughts
France maintains a sophisticated aviation ecosystem that extends far beyond its globally recognized flag carrier. The diversity ranges from all-business-class boutique airlines to specialized island connectors and cargo innovators.
Regional carriers provide the connectivity backbone that links smaller communities to major hubs. Without these operators, many French regions would face isolation from the global aviation network.
The French airline industry demonstrates successful market segmentation. Low-cost carriers coexist with premium business-class operators, while cargo specialists and regional connectors fill essential niches.
For passengers, this diversity creates competitive pricing and service options.
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