Air France has signed a partnership agreement with the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 Organizing committee. The carrier is now the official partner of the 33rd Olympics of the modern era.
On Thursday (July 20, 2023), Air France announced the signing of a partnership agreement with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 (OCOG). The carrier has been supporting the global event since becoming the official partner of the Paris 2024 bid in 2016, and is now the official partner of the 33rd Olympics of the modern era. The Olympic Paris Games will take place from July 24th through August 11, 2024, while the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 will run from August 28th through September 8, 2024.
In Thursday’s announcement, Air France-KLM Group’s CEO, Benjamin Smith, said,
“We are proud to extend our partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. After the thrill of Paris being awarded the Games, we can’t wait to contribute to making this global event a success. The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 speak to our goals and values at Air France. Come summer 2024, we will help the very best of France soar worldwide like never before, on the wings of excellence, respect and inclusion.”
Also commenting on the Olympic partnership, Air France’s CEO, Ann Rigail, said,
“We are already marshalling all of our resources at Air France to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 a success. Preparations got underway months ago as we ramp up toward next summer and the work of getting the athletes and fans to the various Olympic and Paralympic venues. This is quite the journey we and our 38,000 employees – pilots, flight attendants and ground teams – are eager to embark on and share with visitors from all over the world.”
Paris 2024’s President, Tony Estanguet, added,
“As you can imagine, we are especially thrilled to welcome Air France to the Paris 2024 journey as Official Partner of the Games. The storied airline is an iconic jewel of the French economy, it enjoys a strong history with the Games, and it has been supporting us since the bid phase in 2016. Together with Air France, we look forward to welcoming the world and delivering on our promise to host the Olympics with a French touch, while honouring our slogan: Games wide open!”
Air France has already mobilized their teams in Paris and worldwide for the arrival of athletes, fans and media for the 33rd Olympiad. Special attention will be given to travelers with a disability or reduced mobility, who can avail themselves of the airline’s Saphir service for assistance. Air France’s cargo holds are also being readied to accommodate the equipment slated for action in various events such as javelins, vaulting poles, kayaks, bicycles, wheelchairs, and even the surfboards that will be tackling the Teahupo’o waves in Tahiti. Additionally, Air France will assist with the check-in process at the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Seine-Saint-Denis to allow athletes to check in their luggage and sport equipment directly onsite for their return flight.
Source: Air France