AF001: Air France Launches Signature Fragrance

Air France is trying to appeal to customers through an additional sense, thanks to the introduction of a new fragrance…

Air France introduces a new signature scent

Air France is in the process of rolling out a new signature home fragrance, named AF001. The name is a reference to the legendary Concorde flights that existed between Paris and New York starting in the late 1970s (which had that flight number).

This fragrance has been created in partnership with Francis Kurkdjian, master perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Air France leans heavily into showcasing French excellence, and this is yet another example of that.

It apparently took over two years to develop this, and the intent is for the fragrance to reveal an additional sensorial experience that enhances the company’s identity. Here’s how the scent is described:

Evoking a feeling of space, calm and light, AF001 accompanies travellers in style. Its comforting musky scent, combined with mimosa from the south of France, adds a sunny, natural vibrancy. Created with hints of jasmine and rose, its delicate floral aura takes travellers on a real olfactory journey, capturing a specific moment in time.

The fragrance will be gradually introduced as of January 15, 2025. Initially it’ll be available at the entrance to certain Air France lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), as a welcome gesture at the start of the journey.

It’ll be found in the lounges located in Terminal 2E, Halls L & M, Terminal 2F, and Terminal 2G, as well as at the La Premiere Lounge. Over the coming months, it’ll also gradually be introduced at other lounges in Paris and around the world. Interestingly, there don’t yet seem to be plans to sell this to the public, though perhaps that’ll change over time.

Here’s how Fabien Pelous, Air France’s SVP of Customer Experience, describes this:

“The Air France travel experience now elevates all five senses: sight, with the haute couture uniforms of our staff, our cabin interiors and the meticulous design of our lounges, taste with the delicious dishes on the menu on board, touch with the soft fabrics of our seats, sound with our playlists on board, and now smell with this prestigious signature fragrance.”

I’m reminded of how back in the day, Air France had the “France is in the air” ad campaign. I suppose that now France is really in the air.

I love this level of attention to detail

I think Air France is the best major carrier in Europe, as the airline just tries harder than the competition. Air France is investing very nicely in its product. On top of that, I love how the airline is so focused on promoting French brands and products. After all, France is a place that’s admired around the globe for its fashion, food, wine, etc.

Admittedly having a signature fragrance is a very specific product investment, and it’s unlikely to cause anyone to book Air France over another carrier. However, this is a level of attention to detail that you typically don’t find at European carriers. The only other airlines I know of with a signature scent are in Asia.

I’m curious to get a whiff of this the next time I pass through Charles de Gaulle Airport, as I’m certainly intrigued…

Bottom line

Air France is launching a new signature fragrance, named AF001. This will be sprayed at lounge entry points at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and will eventually also be available at some other lounges across the globe. Admittedly this is a small investment in the scheme of things, but I love when airlines are this detail oriented.

What do you make of Air France launching a fragrance?