Saturday, June 21, 2025
In a historic statement at the 55th International Paris Air Show, Air France-KLM and Groupe ADP, in conjunction with the French government, unveiled their ambitious “Connect France” vision.
With French President Emmanuel Macron, Air France-KLM Group CEO Benjamin Smith, and Groupe ADP Chairman and CEO Philippe Pascal affirmed an alliance to enhance global connectivity to France and to position Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) as the world’s leading aviation hub.
A Unified Vision for the Future of French Aviation
The “Connect France” initiative arises from a mutual understanding of the current global aviation challenges. The geopolitical climate, paired with escalating competition from non-European players, has made it crucial to enhance the synergy between Air France and Groupe ADP. The goal is to strengthen the operational efficiency and competitiveness of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, ensuring its place as a global leader in air travel.
The new collaboration brings together two pillars of France’s aviation infrastructure—Air France, a leading international airline, and Groupe ADP, the operator of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Together, they employ over 870,000 people in direct and indirect roles across France, with the airport playing a pivotal role in France’s economy. With 11% of the nation’s export value flowing through CDG, the initiative is a strategic move to safeguard France’s economic and political sovereignty in aviation.
Facing Fierce Competition and Securing France’s Aviation Future
While France remains the world’s top tourist destination, its aviation services are gradually shifting to foreign hands. Airports in neighboring European nations, benefiting from more attractive fiscal and regulatory frameworks, are diverting traffic that previously passed through France. The growing trend of “silent offshoring” poses a direct threat to the dominance of Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and “Connect France” aims to address this gap by ensuring France’s aviation industry can thrive in a competitive environment.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, emphasized the need for closer collaboration to face this growing competition, particularly from non-European airlines. “With ‘Connect France,’ we are formalizing the approach needed to protect France’s aviation infrastructure, boost connectivity, and continue to provide high-quality service to our passengers,” Smith stated.
Philippe Pascal, Chairman of Groupe ADP, highlighted that this partnership will also focus on enhancing the passenger experience and promoting France’s distinctive cultural offerings to the world. “Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an essential asset for the country, and by capitalizing on the synergies between Air France and Groupe ADP, we will create a competitive edge that cannot be matched by other airports.”
Key Initiatives and Timeline for Progress
The ambitious “Connect France” partnership is focused on a set of key initiatives designed to improve the air travel experience for passengers, enhance operational performance, and meet sustainability goals. These initiatives will be rolled out in phases over the next few years.
Improved Passenger Experience
One of the standout features of the partnership is the introduction of a “short connection pass” for passengers with tight layovers. This initiative will streamline the journey for connecting passengers, offering dedicated pathways and prioritized screening. The system will be fully operational by Summer 2025, ensuring smoother transfers and shorter waiting times for travelers.
Optimizing Airport Operations
Air France and Groupe ADP are focused on optimizing the operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, with a goal of increasing the wide-body aircraft contact rate to 95% at peak times by 2026. This will reduce bus transfers for passengers and enhance operational capacity, particularly during high-traffic periods.
Terminal Enhancements and Naming Strategy
By 2026, CDG’s terminals will undergo a redesign to improve passenger flow and navigation. Clearer signage and better wayfinding will be implemented, aligning with international standards to provide a smoother travel experience. Additionally, a new joint stopover offering will showcase the best of Paris, offering passengers connecting through CDG an opportunity to explore the city during layovers.
Sustainability Goals and SAF Development
Sustainability remains a core focus of the initiative. Air France is already one of the largest global buyers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and Groupe ADP is committed to providing low-carbon energy solutions at CDG. Together, they plan to push the envelope on SAF production in Europe, with an announcement expected by the end of 2025 on new projects and collaborations to bolster SAF infrastructure.
Creating a “Flagship France” Experience
As part of the broader vision, Groupe ADP aims to make CDG’s second Hall K the benchmark for French excellence. This terminal will feature the best in French culture, gastronomy, and fashion, offering a unique and luxurious travel experience for passengers.
Strengthening France’s Global Aviation Leadership
Until 2026, the consortium’s programs will reshape Paris-Charles de Gaulle’s international reputation for air leadership. Backed by the French government, the “Connect France” program signals that an overall national strategy is needed to sustain France’s competitive edge in global air transport.
It is not only aimed at increasing performance indicators but also at increasing international recognition for France as an air travel leader. In partnership between Groupe ADP, Air France, and public authorities, “Connect France” will transform Paris-Charles de Gaulle into one world-class airport hub.
This statement by Benjamin Smith is typical of this shift’s strategic imperatives: “This isn’t about competition; it’s about keeping France ahead of the curve in terms of industry, providing one-of-a-kind experiences to international travelers.”
The full information on the “Connect France” program, including progress in specific projects and the actual timeline for rollout, will be made available at intervals in the coming months as the partnership proceeds towards targets.
References: Groupe ADP Official Website, Air France-KLM Official Website, French Government-Ministry of Economy
Image Credit: Groupe ADP Official Website
Tags: Air France, Emmanuel Macron, Europe, france, Groupe ADP, International Paris Air Show, klm, Paris, Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, sustainable aviation, Tourism, travel industry
