Air France flight attendants in the airline's uniform designed by Georges Renal in 1946. Pictured are Madeleine Chmoureau (now Madame Rimbaud) and de la Chapelle. Photo: Air France This year, Air France celebrates the 80th anniversary of the recruitment of the first female flight attendants in the company, a significant milestone in the development of civil aviation and the creation of one of the professions most identified with the world of aviation.
After World War II, Air France entered a period of rapid growth. The company renewed its fleet, expanded its international network, and began operating long-haul flights. At the same time, passenger numbers increased significantly and flight times lengthened, creating a need to upgrade the service provided during the flight.
In 1946, the company recruited its first 11 female flight attendants. Until then, passenger service had been provided primarily by male flight attendants and in a relatively limited capacity. The new flight attendants' role was to greet passengers, assist families and children, and provide a more personal and pleasant service experience during air travel.
The same year also saw the inauguration of the Paris-New York route, which was then considered one of the company's flagship routes. The flight, which included several stopovers, could last almost 24 hours, emphasizing the importance of quality service throughout.
80 years since the first Air France flight attendants. Photo: Air FranceOver the years, the profession has undergone significant changes. In 1955, the roles of flight attendants and stewardesses were unified under the definition of "aircrew." With the entry into service of jet aircraft and later wide-body aircraft, flight crews grew and new management positions were created, including crew chief and chief steward.
Alongside passenger service, safety has become a central part of the job. Today, flight crew members undergo comprehensive training, periodic drills, and professional certifications in safety, emergency response, team management, and customer service.
At the same time, the flight attendants have become ambassadors for the Air France brand around the world. The company's uniforms, designed over the years by leading fashion houses including Dior, Balenciaga, Caravan and Christian Lacroix, have become an integral part of the French airline's identity.
Today, Air France employs more than 13,000 flight attendants, of whom about 8,800 are women. The company notes that the spirit of service, elegance and commitment to safety that led the first 11 female flight attendants in 1946 continue to guide the activities of the flight crews even eight decades later.
In conjunction with this significant milestone, we would like to recall that last month the Air France-KLM group celebrated more than two decades of joint operations, while maintaining a separate identity and leadership in the global aviation industry.
Flight attendant training in 1947. Photo: Air France