Air Côte d’Ivoire is on the brink of a pivotal transformation with its entry into the long-haul market anchored by the imminent arrival of its first Airbus A330-900neo. Slated for delivery at the end of August, the aircraft’s successful maiden flight earlier this month confirms that Abidjan’s ambition to launch direct service to Paris is firmly on course.
The A330neo, bearing test registration F-WWYE, completed its first test flights in August and will be delivered to Air Côte d’Ivoire with the registration TU-TRG. A second A330neo, TU-TRH, is expected to follow in 2026. The airline has confirmed that daily Abidjan–Paris Charles de Gaulle services will begin in September 2025, marking its first long-haul route.
Chief Executive Officer Laurent Loukou described the acquisition as “crucial,” enabling connectivity not just to Paris but paving the way for future destinations such as New York, Brussels, and London. Each aircraft will seat 242 passengers across four cabins: first class, business, premium economy, and economy, reflecting ambitions far beyond domestic and regional travel.
The long-haul expansion is supported by financing from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the West African Development Bank. To ensure operational readiness, Air Côte d’Ivoire has also extended its component support contract with AFI KLM E&M, covering both its narrowbody and new widebody fleet.
The Airbus A330-900neo is part of Airbus’s new-generation wide-body family, offering lower fuel consumption, greater range, and improved operating economics compared to earlier variants. The aircraft also features Airbus’s Airspace cabin, designed to enhance passenger comfort with modern interiors and advanced technology.
With a network of 29 nonstop regional routes-22 of them international, Air Côte d’Ivoire is positioning Abidjan as a feeder hub for long-haul traffic. By integrating regional connectivity with its new intercontinental services, the airline aims to strengthen its role as a key player in West African aviation.
The move places Air Côte d’Ivoire directly in competition on the Abidjan-Paris corridor, where Air France already offers double-daily flights with Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s, while Corsair operates A330neos from Paris Orly. Regional giants such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Royal Air Maroc also provide robust long-haul connections from Africa to Europe and North America.
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