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DC4 "Ciel Ile de France" F-BBDJ the first scheduled flight between Paris - New York. Photo collection du musée Air France |
New York has always been a top city destination for Air France, which has connected the Big Apple with Paris for the last 75 years.....
The story began on June 24, 1946, when a DC4 called “Ciel d’île de France” took off from Paris-Orly at 7:00 p.m. After 23 hours and 45 minutes, at an average speed of 305 km/h and two stopovers, one in Ireland and the other in Terre Neuve /Newfoundland, the first scheduled Air France service landed in New York. Pictured above the crew of that first flight Robert BONNET, second CDB, Jean ROUSSEAU, navigateur, Madeleine THIPLOUSE, hôtesse, Roger LOUBRY, CDB et chef pilote Atlantique Nord, Georges PLANTIVE et Marien CHAPY, radios.
A few months later, in January 1947, the introduction of the oddly shaped yet utterly beautiful Lockheed Constellation - Connie made it possible to cut out one of those outbound stopovers and make the return trip direct. Onboard, Air France teams invented a modular cabin (with up to 46 seats on a day flight and 22 berths at night) with a service, then called the “Golden Comet”, which is said to have forged the airline’s reputation for top class service for decades to come.
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Lockheed L.1049 Super Constellation "Parisien spécial" Photo collection Musée Air France |
On November 19, 1953, an improved version of the Lockheed Constellation known as the “Constellation Super G” enabled Air France to offer even more comfort, with a lounge bar, private cabins and real beds on board. The New York route became legendary with the “Parisian Special” on the outward journey and the “Golden Parisian” on the return. These were considered to be perhaps the most romantic days of aviation when air travel was a luxury, an experience and a joy. Indeed for many, the journey was far more important than arriving!