Marking its 71st anniversary of flying to South Africa, Air France partnered with the French Consulate General for Johannesburg as well as the Alliance Francaise in Johannesburg, to celebrate this major milestone.
CELEBRATING 71 YEARS OF FLYING TO SOUTH AFRICA
The airline hosted a classy event celebrating seven decades of flight operations to South Africa.
Air France has offered flights between Paris and Johannesburg for 71 years while the Alliance Francaise has been building bridges between South Africa and France, bringing French language and culture to South Africans for 74 years.
BUILDING CULTURAL BRIDGES
The event at Alliance Francaise’s centre in Johannesburg was the epitome of French sophistication and style.
The charming soiree was attended by doyens of the airline industry as well as representatives from French companies operating in South Africa, diplomatic corps, NGOs and other stakeholders.
The event was made possible with the support of various partners. This includes Havas South Africa, Clarins, Martell, Inverroche, ClubMed and the French Foreign Trade Advisors.
ADDING FLAIR AND STYLE
Addressing guests gathered outside under the African skies, French Consul Etienne Chapon said that Air France and the Alliance Francaise were two significant pillars of French culture in South Africa.
Chapon humorously added that he had not realised that these organisations shared the same initials, AF.
However, Chapon went on to coin a new meaning for the abbreviation AF. “Always Fashionable,” Chapon said.
This could certainly be felt throughout the evening. From the refreshments and canapes to the fashion show, showcasing the different uniforms throughout Air France’s history.
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AIR FRANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Speaking to the 250 guests gathered on the lawn outside the contemporary-style building, Air France-KLM Country Manager Southern Africa, Wilson Tauro, said that this new exhibition is indeed indicative of how Air France has evolved over the years.
“Air France has built bridges with South Africa and boosted tourism to the country for 71 years. This exhibition showcases the commitment and ties between France and South Africa, from 1953 to today.” Tauro said.
The airline is not just at the forefront of fashion and style. It also embraces sustainability in aviation through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), fleet renewal initiatives and enhanced inflight catering amongst others.
The carrier is involved in social impact programmes in South Africa. Just recently it delivered 600 stationery kits to an underprivileged school in Mpumalanga.
OPENING OF AIR FRANCE SOUTH AFRICA EXHIBITION
The new exhibition, “Decades of Connection: A Fusion of French Elegance and the South African Spirit,” was officially opened on the night, at the Alliance Francaise in Lower Park Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg.
The exhibition, curated by the airline and the Alliance Francaise, shows Air France’s evolution while connecting the two countries.
From the aircraft used to stylish cabin crew uniforms, this exhibition tracks these developments through the decades.
“This exhibition showcases our vintage aircraft and our stylish uniforms dating back to 1953,” Tauro said.
The exhibition is free to the public and will be on display at the Alliance Francaise, until 29 November.
