Air France has taken delivery of its 70th Boeing 777, a -300ER variant, as it remains loyal to the aircraft programme.

The French flag carrier was the launch customer for the 777-300ER in 2004 and the 777 Freighter in 2009, and took delivery of its first 777-200ER in March 1998. Air France is part of Air France-KLM Group, which is the second largest 777 operator in the world, and has 25 unfilled orders for 787 Dreamliners as well as lease agreements for an additional 12 787s.

Air France chief executive officer, Frederic Gagey says: “The 777 range has been one of the pillars of Air France’s fleet growth. The Boeing 777 has gained a reputation for its reliability, economic performance and comfort.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president global sales and marketing, John Wojick says: “Air France has successfully utilised 777 variants across both its passenger and cargo operations for two decades to remain at the forefront of commercial aviation in terms of performance, economics and passenger comfort.”

“We are honoured that a carrier as prestigious as Air France has chosen the 777 to form the backbone of its long-haul fleet and are proud of our historic partnership that stretches back more than 60 years.”