Air France has publicly confirmed its partnership with the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, stepping into the role of Official Partner. Even with the games still a year out, the airline is actively marshalling its resources in Paris and worldwide in readiness for the prestigious event.
The Olympic games, which trace their modern roots back to Athens in 1896, have grown into a globally cherished sporting phenomenon that occur every four years in selected cities worldwide. Paris was declared the host city for the 2024 edition on September 13, 2017. As the clock ticks down to the 33rd Olympiad’s opening ceremony, anticipation is palpable and preparation efforts are in full swing.
Air France’s alliance with the Olympic and Paralympic Paris 2024 Organising Committee (OCOG) was officially unveiled earlier today. The new agreement consolidates a relationship that began when the airline backed Paris’ bid in 2016 to host the 2024 games. The airline demonstrated its commitment to the event following the Tokyo 2020 Games (which were postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19), when it transported the Olympic flag to Paris from Tokyo, marking the start of the countdown for the 2024 opening ceremony at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Benjamin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Air France-KLM Group, expressed the company’s pride in bolstering their partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Smith spoke of the alignment between the values of the Games and those of Air France, expressing eagerness to elevate France’s global standing through the delivery of a successful event.
Preparations for the 2024 games are already in full swing at Air France. The airline is gearing up to transport a myriad of sporting equipment in its cargo holds, ranging from javelins and vaulting poles to kayaks, wheelchairs, and surfboards. The airline’s Saphir service will cater to those with disabilities or reduced mobility, providing them with exclusive service. Air France also plans to station personnel at the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Seine Saint-Denis to assist passengers in checking their equipment and luggage onsite for their return flights.
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, warmly welcomed Air France’s official partnership. He highlighted the airline’s rich history with the Games and its continuous support since the bid phase in 2016. In collaboration with Air France, Estanguet expressed confidence in delivering a uniquely French Olympics while fulfilling their slogan promise: Games wide open!