Quantcast

Airbus A318 continues limited UK service with Air France amid economic challenges

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
Airbus A318 continues limited UK service with Air France amid economic challenges
Policy
Webp airbusa318
Airbus A318 | Official Website

The Airbus A318, known for its limited popularity due to economic inefficiencies compared to larger aircraft, will continue operations with Air France this summer. The French airline is the only major carrier still using the A318 for scheduled passenger flights after TAROM retired the model in November 2024.

In July and August, Air France plans to operate just two routes from the UK: Nice to London Heathrow and Paris CDG to Heathrow. According to Cirium Diio data, most of these services will be on the Nice-Heathrow route, which has been part of Air France's network since 2022. The A318 will make its return on July 14 after a brief hiatus since June 28.

On the Paris CDG-Heathrow route, only one out of 370 flights is scheduled with an A318. Most services on this route use the more modern A220-300 aircraft. Notably, flight AF1680 is set to arrive at Heathrow at 08:00 on Sunday, July 20.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Air France currently operates six A318s, averaging nearly 19 years old. Despite being fully paid off as they are mostly owned by Air France, these aircraft face higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared to newer models like the Airbus A220-300. The latter offers a more competitive seat-mile cost due to its larger size and lower fuel consumption.

The Airbus A318's unpopularity stems from its high operating costs relative to capacity. Its maximum takeoff weight is similar to that of an Airbus A220-300 but offers fewer seats in Air France's configuration. This results in less attractive seat-mile costs compared to alternatives such as the Boeing 737 series or other Airbus models like the A319 and A320.

Despite these challenges, the A318 has found niche roles requiring short runway capabilities or steep approach certifications, such as operations at Rio de Janeiro’s Santos Dumont airport or London City Airport.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Ericelda Melendez has been recognized for her leadership and teamwork at Flying Food Group's LAI facility.

Jul 31, 2025

Our facility in Denver recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating 11 years of dedicated service from Armando de Santiago.

Jul 31, 2025

Allegiant Air has announced the addition of seven new nonstop routes and the commencement of service at Fort Myers (RSW), expanding its all-nonstop network.

Jul 30, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced open positions and is inviting candidates to apply online or by email, according to a post on X. According to Food Logistics, Flying Food Group is a leading provider of airline catering and food solutions,...

Jul 30, 2025

Japan Airlines has announced a limited-time sale on overseas flight and hotel packages, featuring discounts for Hawaii and group savings.

Jul 30, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced the return of its annual fall sale, offering hundreds of one-way flights starting at $49 or 4,000 miles for a limited time.

Jul 30, 2025