Boeing and longtime partner Air France celebrated milestones recently with the delivery of the 777th Boeing 777 airplane. The new Boeing 777- 300ER also will be the first to bear a new Air France livery and company brand identity.

Air France operates one of the largest fleets of 777s in the world and was the launch customer for both the 777-300ER and the 777 Freighter. “The 777 has been a valuable asset to the long-haul fleet of Air France and it is the right aircraft to allow us to maximize our revenues in the most economic and efficient manner,” said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president, New Aircraft & Corporate Fleet Planning, Air France.

The relationship between Air France and Boeing goes back to the early days of the airline, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. Air France’s early fleet of DC-3s sported the distinctive silver and royal blue livery that was used to launch the airline.

Three generations of Boeing airplanes have carried three Air France liveries. The first was with the arrival of the jet age and the Boeing 707. Th e second opened up long-haul international travel, epitomised by the Boeing 747 and finally, today with the unveiling of the Boeing 777-300ER.