MIAMI – Air France (AF) is one of the world’s largest Boeing 777 operators. The type has been the backbone of AF’s long-haul operations. The airline used the aircraft type mostly on destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
However, the Boeing 777 fleet is aging, especially the 777-200ERs. The first aircraft of this type delivered to AF back in 1998 and by now the Boeing 777-200ER fleet has an average age of 14.2 years. As a result, the French flag carrier announced the retirement of the type in the next three (3) months.
The first triple seven, out of a total of four (4) Boeing 777-200ERs to be retired, made its final flight yesterday morning, heading for Tarbes Airport (LDE). However, the retirement was expected, as the airline has grounded fifteen (15) out of its twenty-five (25) B777-200ERs for more than a year.