Air France is 'in the air' in Shanghai

Air France unveiled its three-tier global project in Shanghai on Thursday to showcase its upgraded long-haul products and services.

Some of the products on display at the exhibition include an exclusive individual suite on long-haul Boeing 777-300 aircraft and new business and economy-class seats.

"The iconic project is expected to cost over 500 million euros ($705 million) in investment, said Frederic Gagey, chairman and CEO, Air France.

"Our ambition is to place Air France at the best global level in terms of products and make a difference with a caring attitude to its customers," said Gagey.

He said Air France considers China one of its key markets that have great potential.

Revenue from the Chinese market in the long-haul business accounted for 10 percent of its total global revenue last year, he said.

Local insiders said the airline aims to use the profits from the Chinese market to balance its global budget.

Air France plans to use A380 planes on Shanghai to Paris route in early 2015 to meet the growing demand. Services will be increased from the current weekly four to daily.

The four-day exhibition titled "Air France, France is in the air" being held at the Bund in Shanghai will move to New York on June 26 and then to Paris on September 20.