Air France Foundation arranged a meeting on the tarmac with Thomas Pesquet for sick children supported by the Association L’Envol

To mark its 30th anniversary, the Air France Foundation welcomed fifteen sick children supported by the association L’Envol. The children were invited with their families to discover the behind-the-scenes activities of Air France at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, and to meet French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, one of the Foundation’s administrators.

After a dedicated boarding at terminal 2F, the group boarded an Airbus A350, the latest generation long-haul aircraft which is the new jewel in the Air France fleet and embodies its commitment to sustainable development. The programme included a tour of the aircraft, followed by a meeting with Air France staff who contribute to the airline’s hub operations every day. Everyone was able to talk to a check-in agent, a ramp agent, pilots, a flight attendant, a mechanic or a Servair chef (Air France’s catering service provider), to discover their respective worlds and careers.  

The highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity for the children to meet Thomas Pesquet and share a snack. The astronaut talked about his career as an Air France pilot, joining the European Space Agency, and his missions on board and then at the controls of the International Space Station.

This day of sharing and discovery shed new light on air and space careers for these children. While it may have given rise to new vocations, it was also an opportunity for the Air France Foundation to renew its commitment to children, allowing them to forget their illness for a day.

THE AIR FRANCE FOUNDATION

Set up in 1992, the Air France Foundation studies, selects and finances educational projects for children who are ill, disabled or in great difficulty in the countries where Air France operates. Because education changes the world, the Foundation has developed links with international associations, based on the conviction that access to schooling, training, leisure activities, culture and the environment is the best way to tackle the great journey of life. 

Over the past 30 years, the Air France Foundation has facilitated the implementation of 1,568 projects, mostly sponsored by Air France employees.

L’ENVOL is a non-profit association which organises programmes for sick young people aged 6 to 25 and their families. For 25 years, it has helped them find strength and confidence in themselves to enjoy life to the full during or after their illness and to never feel alone. L’ENVOL provides free support to more than 4,000 young people every year, organising special trips, hospital workshops, recreational outings and activity kits.

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