Air France Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Concorde’s Commercial Flight
Air France is marking the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial service, which took place on 21 January 1976, with a set of commemorative initiatives highlighting the aircraft’s role in the airline’s history. These include the release of a dedicated merchandise collection and the launch of a documentary chronicling Concorde’s operations.
On 21 January 1976, Air France operated its first commercial Concorde flight from Paris to Rio de Janeiro, with a stop in Dakar. The flight marked the beginning of the airline’s supersonic operations, which continued until 2003. The aircraft seated approximately 100 passengers and was recognisable for its distinctive design and engineering.
Concorde was developed as a joint Franco-British programme and became a notable part of Air France’s fleet and brand identity over nearly three decades of service. The aircraft’s operation represented a period of technological advancement in commercial aviation and has since remained a reference point in the airline’s heritage.
As part of the anniversary, Air France is releasing a documentary titled “Concorde Air France: They Made the Legend Fly”, which will premiere on the airline’s YouTube channel on 21 January 2026. The film features accounts from former Air France employees involved in Concorde operations, along with commentary from Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM and President of Air France.
During its years in service, Concorde was also associated with a distinctive onboard experience. Cabin interiors and lounges were designed in collaboration with several well-known designers over time, including Raymond Loewy, Le Corbusier, Andrée Putman, and Pierre Gautier-Delaye. The aircraft’s interior design evolved across different periods, reflecting contemporary design trends. Uniforms worn by Concorde cabin crew were also created by fashion designers such as Jean Patou and Nina Ricci.
Air France has also announced the launch of a “Air France Legend” Concorde anniversary collection. The range includes items such as model aircraft, scarves, notebooks, and keyrings, with some pieces produced in limited quantities. The collection is scheduled to go on sale from February 2026 via the airline’s online store.
Through these initiatives, the airlines is revisiting a significant chapter in its operational and cultural history while presenting elements of that legacy to new audiences.
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