Photo: Shutterstock Air France is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first commercial flight of the Concorde, which took off on January 21, 1976, from Paris to Rio de Janeiro with one stopover. To mark the historic milestone, the company is launching a series of special initiatives dedicated to one of the greatest symbols in the history of aviation.
The celebrations will center on the launch of a unique collection of Concorde-inspired items, including model airplanes, silk scarves, notebooks and key chains. Some of the items will be produced in limited editions and will be available for sale on the company's website starting in February 2026.
In addition, Air France has uploaded a special 37-minute documentary to YouTube, which reviews the story of the Concorde in the company's service. The film includes testimonies from crew members and company employees who accompanied the aircraft over the years. Watch the Air France documentary about the Concorde here:
Concorde was considered the pinnacle of luxury and innovation in the world of aviation at the time. With a cruising speed of Mach 2.02 and a flight altitude of approximately 60,000 feet, the aircraft offered an unprecedented flying experience, which included luxurious service, meticulous design, and attention to the smallest details.
Over the years, the cabin has undergone design changes by leading designers, giving the aircraft a contemporary look and maintaining its status as a symbol of elegance in the sky. Special uniforms were also designed specifically for the Concorde aircrew.
As part of the anniversary commemoration, Air France also commemorates the victims of the tragic accident that occurred on July 25, 2000, and expresses solidarity with their families and loved ones.
In total, Concorde served Air France for 27 years, until 2003, leaving a profound technological and cultural mark. To this day, it is considered a milestone in the company's brand identity and a continuous source of inspiration for innovation, which has not been, so far, replicated.