Ludivine Lépine is a long-haul Boeing 777 pilot, and Alain Marteau – now retired – was formerly in charge of ground crew documentation. Together, they form part of the network of friends of the Air France Foundation. We caught up with them for discussion where they shared their experiences and commitments.
Can you tell us about your career at Air France?
Ludivine:
At the age of 12, I took my first flight, an experience that inspired me to go further. Fascinated by planes and flying, I continued my studies in this field and joined the Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile in 2006. My career at Air France began at AFMAé (an organization that provides professional training for mechanics) where I took part in redesigning examination questionnaires. Then, in 2016, I had the chance to make my dream come true by joining the company as an A320 pilot. In 2019, I reached a new milestone by becoming a long-haul pilot on the Boeing 777.
Alain:
I joined Air France in 1987, in the hospitality department after working at the Hôtel Crillon. I then worked in the catering department of the Presidency for 22 years before joining the team tasked with handling documentation for flight crews (flight safety documents, security, etc.).
How did you find out about the Foundation?
Ludivine:
I think I first heard about it in Air France magazine, back when it was distributed onboard our planes.
Alain:
The Director of Personnel, Mr. Vidalon, whom I knew through my professional activity, initiated the idea of creating the Air France Foundation. He asked me to join his team of volunteers. There weren't many of us at the time, so we held a few meetings, and then gradually a wider organization was created.
What motivated you to become a friend of the Foundation?
Ludivine:
During my career, I've been fortunate enough to fly alongside crew members who are very involved in humanitarian causes and the Foundation’s work. I was particularly impressed by their missions in Madagascar alongside Father Pedro. These actions made me want to give meaning to my stopovers by investing myself in a cause.
Alain:
I wanted to donate my time! I think we all need to give a little of our time to others. I believe that we all face problems in life and are happy to be helped. So I think it's only right that we should all, in turn, show our collective solidarity.
How long have you been involved in the Foundation's actions?
Ludivine:
My involvement with the Foundation is recent. I took part for the first time in an action as a volunteer during the Foundation's Grand Prix 2024. I was able to talk to representatives of partner organizations and meet colleagues from other departments within the company.
Alain:
Since 1993. I was one of the first volunteers to take part in a mission. And I've always made a point of being as available as possible to respond to the Foundation's requests for volunteer work. Whether it's for major fund-raising events, Christmas markets, etc.
Other commitments:
Are you involved in associations? If so, which ones and why?
Ludivine:
I'm involved with young women who want to become pilots. My involvement with the French Association of Women Pilots enables me to accompany and support them on their journey. For several years now, I've observed that these young women can sometimes doubt their abilities or lack information on the steps they need to take to make their dream a reality. That’s why I decided to become a mentor to several of them.
Alain:
I've also been involved with Aviation Sans Frontières (Aviation Without Borders) for 17 years, assisting children in need of medical treatment. About thirty times a year, I pick up children in their home countries and accompany them back home once they have been treated and cured in French or Swiss hospitals.
In addition, my brother and I spend three days a week supporting the “La Grange aux Bois” association. This association takes care of people with mental disabilities and provides them with access to sports, handicrafts and other activities.
What has impressed you the most during your actions with the Foundation?
Ludivine:
I was struck by the team spirit that prevailed among the volunteers. Despite coming from different professions, we worked together with a natural fluidity and a contagious good mood.
I was touched to see all these different professions working together for a common cause. It was this moment of sharing and cohesion that made me realize the strength of the collective and the importance of individual commitment.
Alain:
The actions that have impressed me the most are undoubtedly those that have enabled children to discover the sea and enjoy a vacation. My mantra is to get close to people in need whom we can help. Reaching out to one another creates a great chain of solidarity. It's a powerful field of action.
How has your experience at Air France been useful to you in your missions?
Ludivine:
In my professional life, as a co-pilot, I'm used to working in a technical environment. My role within the crew therefore rarely brings me into direct contact with passengers. Taking part in one of the Foundation's events enabled me to discover another aspect of the cabin crew/ground staff profession: that of hospitality. I was particularly impressed by the kindness and professionalism of the other volunteers who advised me.
Alain:
Working with the Presidency and having been supported in my volunteer work by my directors was a useful experience. I’m grateful to them for giving me the time I needed to help the children and people most in need.
Personal and professional impacts
What lessons have you learned from your volunteer involvement in the associative world and with the AF Foundation?
Ludivine:
I've learned that everyone has something valuable to contribute to others: young people have energy, fresh vision, and new ideas. More experienced people bring specific expertise and skills. Involvement in a cause becomes a source of fulfillment.
Alain:
It makes us realize how lucky we are, putting the misery we face on our missions into perspective.
What impact has your volunteer involvement had? (About the vision you have of your job, about the world, about your daily life or with your family)?
Ludivine:
My involvement has enabled me to realize how lucky I am, to take a step back and put my problems into perspective. By seeing what people in difficult situations go through, you learn to appreciate the simple things in life and be more positive.
Alain:
I no longer listen to people who reproach me for never being there. I'm where I need to be to help those who need it. When I worked in the company, people respected me for my commitment, no matter the person's position in the company hierarchy.
Would you recommend other Air France employees to become friends of the Foundation? If so, why? You bet?
Ludivine:
Of course, I recommend everyone to join the friends of the Foundation and spread the word.
Alain:
I 100% recommend getting involved with the Foundation. There is a real sense of humanity, mutual support and community.
Final Words
1 slogan or motto to describe the Foundation?
Ludivine:
For me, the Foundation is synonymous with connection: forging ties with associations to help them achieve their full potential, but also within the company.
Alain:
Alongside the Foundation, let's help create a better world for children!