80 years of Air France’s first commercial Paris–New York route

Since 1946, the Paris–New York route has accompanied every major revolution at Air France and in commercial aviation. From four-engine propeller aircraft to today’s long-haul jets, discover a visual journey through 80 years of a story that has become legendary.

In 2026, 80 years after the first flight of the DC-4 “Ciel d’Île-de-France” aircraft, the Paris–New York route remains one of Air France’s strongest symbols. On its own, it tells the story of eight decades of technical progress, innovation, cabin design, service, and operational excellence.

Whereas the journey took nearly 24 hours and two stopovers in 1946, only 8 hours outbound and 7 hours inbound, depending on operating conditions, are needed today to fly directly between Paris and New York. More than just a route, it is a story in motion, shaped by both heritage and the future.