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Charles De Gualle Airport
- Roissy
Europe's 2nd busiest international airport opened in 1974 as a successor
to the crowded Orly. Orly, itself opened in the late 1950s succeeding
the legendary Le Bourget. While Orly maintains low cost and regional service,
most international and mainline services to Paris originate and depart
through CDG. The current 6 terminal complex launched in 2002. This stunningly
futuristic facility was the site of the U2 music video "Beautiful
Day". In May of 2004, part of terminal 2E, the arched terminal seen
below collapsed due to structural failure. This resulted in 3 casualties
and numerous injuries. The head of ADP, the Paris Airport Authority was
quoted as saying he would "raze it to the ground" if safety
requirments can't be met. |
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CGD Terminal Map
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CDG-1
In 1974 at its inaguration, this terminal designed by famed airport designer
Paul Andreu was state of the art. It is surrounded by a ring of 7 satellite
satellite terminals accessed by a unique people mover system. |
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Air
France A320-100
Air France, naturally was the launch customer for the extraordinarily
successful A320. The aircraft pioneered computerized Fly By Wire via sidestick
in subsonic airliners, plus numerous other high-tech advances at its 1988
service entry date. This is one of the rare 20 or so 100 series aircraft,
identifiable by the lack of winglets. |
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Air France Express BAe
146 and Embraer EMB-135
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Air France Boeing 747-400
Air France is one of the world's larger operators of 747s. This queen of
the skies will be superceeded by 10 A380 SuperJumbos beginning in 2006. |
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Aeroflot A320
Aeroflot Russian International Airline's new paint scheme is shown to great
effect on this A320 as it taxis for a flight to St Petersburg. Aeroflot
has primarily switched to a western fleet with 777s, 767s, 737s and A320s.
A few TU-154s and IL96s still soldier on. |
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CDG Ramp
An Air France A330-300 and 747-400 book end a China Airlines MD-11. |
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CSA Boeing 737-400
CSA was the first of the East European Airlines to operate western aircraft.
This baby Boeing was pushing back for a full flight to Prague when this
image was taken. |
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Air France 777 Airshow
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Air France Boeing 777
L'Affaires (Business Class) appetizer
Air France offers a very high level service in all classes. This salmon
dish was exquisite as was the duck entree' that followed. |
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Air France Boeing 777
L'epace Premiere (First Class)
Air France's first class product features a very roomy seat pitch and flat
bed first class seats that have become the international standard. These
seats are very similar to those offered by American Airlines. |
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 Air
France Boeing 777 L'Affaires (Business Class) appetizer
I first hand sampled AF's business class product from CDG to Washington
Dulles. The service was very attentive and high end. AF lags some competitors
such as British Airways in offering flat bed seating in business. |
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Air France Boeing 777
Tempo (Coach Class)
This is a very typical international high density economy class configuration
with 9 seats abrest. |
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  Air
France Boeing 777 Bar and Galley
Air France's high service standard includes a full wet bar in the galley
for first and business. This is the first I have seen on a 777. |
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CDG Terminal Map
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