The newly unveiled 60 years logo focuses on an emblem that recalls Air France's origins: the seahorse. A constant presence on Air France's fleet, it now features a contemporary design adapted to the airline's new stylized look.
As for the new check-in area, located near Gate B of the Montréal-Trudeau airport, the inauguration was attended by Bénédicte Duval, Vice-President and General Manager of Air France-KLM Canada, and James C. Cherry, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.
“ We felt it was important to start the year where it all began for us,” d eclared Bénédicte Duval. “ This new space and the technologies developed to facilitate the check-in process and flow for our passengers enable us to serve up to 1,500 travellers a day during peak periods, compared to 40 in October 1950,” added Duval, who became the 13 th person to head Air France's operations in Canada when she took over.
For his part, James Cherry declared: “ Happy Anniversary to Air France Canada. They have been one of this airport's earliest commercial partners, and are now the European air carrier flying the most passengers out of Montréal-Trudeau and operating the most departures.”
A brief backgrounder
The first Air France Montréal-Paris flight occurred on October 5. Its 40 passengers included political figures and reporters. Montréal archbishop Mgr Paul-Émile Léger blessed the four-engine aircraft before takeoff. A few engine turns, and thus began regular Air France service between the two countries.
Feedback from passenger delegations at the time spoke volumes about the mutual interest between the two countries. The route's inauguration signalled the beginning of closer ties between France and Canada.