Startup French Blue takes its first aircraft

Paris Orly-based long-haul, low-cost startup French Blue has taken delivery of its first aircraft, a new Airbus A330-300, and is aiming to launch operations on Sept. 10. The new-build aircraft, sporting French Blue’s blue and white livery, has been registered F-HPUJ. Photographs posted to French Blue’s Twitter account show its progress through Airbus’ Toulouse production line, as well as a video of the aircraft’s test flight on May 2. The A330 is configured with 378 leather seats, manufactured by German firm Zim, in a two-class layout. It is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi and high-definition, touchscreen inflight entertainment. French Blue has also launched ticket sales for its maiden route between Paris Orly and Punta Cana, which is scheduled to start on Sept. 10. One-way fares start at E149, including taxes. Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean will become French Blue’s second destination from summer 2017.<br/>