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 operating flights on it, this route has become legendary.
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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 8 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.
