A recognizable name in international air travel, Air France now reigns as one of the world's busiest airlines. Equipped with a rich history of experimental aircraft and massive mergers, Air France continues to meet the needs of international travelers.
Air France came about as the result of a merger between four other French airlines in 1933. By 1945 Air France began serving as the national carrier for France.
By 1959 Air France began utilizing Boeing 707s for faster commercial service. In 1976 they introduced the Concorde into use, an impressive aircraft capable of flying over 1,000 mph.
In 1990 Air France bought out its domestic rival, UTA, effectively merging the two airlines. In 2003 Air France participated in its biggest merger, combining efforts with KLM, the national airline of the Netherlands.
Although Air France began its operations out of Paris Le Bourget Airport, in 1974 the airline moved the hub to the larger Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, thus enabling more daily flights.
Sadly, like all major airlines, Air France has experienced its share of disasters. The deadliest occurred in 2009 when an Air France jet flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris crashed into the Atlantic Ocean killing all 228 passengers aboard.
