Air France Retires Oldest Aircraft

It’s the end of an era for Air France with the confirmed retirement of the oldest aircraft in its fleet, an Airbus A321-100.

The aircraft, registered as F-GMZA, is not just the oldest for the airline but also one of the oldest A321s in the world. The news came with thanks to comments from the airline’s A320 fleet manager.

F-GZMA was first delivered in June 1994, at 31.5 years of age, when it was withdrawn from service before being moved to Tarbes Lourdes (LBE) for storage, ending a long-standing era for the business.

The aircraft, which was withdrawn from service, has been awaiting its final flight for some time, following the last scheduled passenger flight on September 26, 2025, operated by AF7417 between Toulouse and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Following this, on December 12, 2025, the official final flight was completed, with the aircraft operated in service between its home base at Charles de Gaulle and Tarbes Airport. The plane is now likely to be scrapped.

While the aircraft was delivered in 1994, it didn’t begin life with Air France; it first flew with Air Inter and later operated with Air Inter Europe. Following a merger between airlines and consolidation, it joined the Air France fleet, where it has operated since.

At its age, this Airbus A321-100 was the oldest aircraft at the airline, closely followed by two other Airbus A321-100 jets, F-GMZC and F-GMZD, which are 30.8 years old.

Following these two aircraft, the oldest aircraft are a long list of Boeing 777-200ER jets, which range from 24 to 28 years of age, followed by older A320ceo family aircraft ranging from the A319 to the A321.

The retirement of the oldest aircraft, and more specifically one of the oldest A321s, which was in active service, highlights just the kind of aircraft this has been for the business: a reliable workhorse capable of flying for decades, completing many flights every single day, carrying passengers on medium-haul and short to medium-haul routes.

Ultimately, as with any aircraft type, eventually fleet renewal becomes essential, and airlines will look toreduce their reliance on older planes such as these, 30 years from delivery to retirement, quite the feat that not many planes will experience.

What Aircraft Does Air France Fly?

Air France’s fleet consists of over 200 aircraft, according to the latest fleet data from planespotters.net, which shows that the flag carrier has 25 aircraft parked and 201 active.

With such a storied history across the industry, the airline has flown so many aircraft types, including the A300, A310, A380, DC-8, 747, Saab, MD-10, and more. Its fleet history represents every single era of travel. It’s entering a crucial next phase where efficiency is paramount.

The airline’s single-aisle operations begin with reliance on the Airbus A220, which has recently delivered its 50th model; it is the youngest fleet type by average age. However, only 38 units are active, as the series has been plagued by engine reliability issues for years, resulting in several groundings.

Air France also relies on the A320ceo family with commitments to the A318, A319, A320-200, A321-100 and A321-200. What is currently missing is any reliance on the Airbus A320neo family, where, aside from its A220 fleet, the single-aisle fleet is certainly getting on in age.

The French flag-carrier also has eight Airbus A330-200 jets to its name, averaging 22.7 years, and is complemented by the newest and most efficient Airbus A350, with 40 units delivered, all A350-900s.

The airline relies heavily on two Boeing widebodies for long-haul travel, with the 777 accounting for 63 aircraft in its fleet, split between the 777-200ER and 777-300ER. There are also two 777 Freighters operating with its cargo division.

Lastly, it’s a commitment to the Boeing 787, which highlights the new era of efficiency for the airline where 10 active 787-9 Dreamliners average 7.6 years of age and help bring better comfort and perfromance metrics across long-haul flying.