Air France celebrates 25 years of intermodal Air and Rail product between Brussels-Midi/Zuid station and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport
Air France’s 25-year celebration of its Air&Rail service between Brussels-Midi/Zuid and Paris-Charles de Gaulle is a fascinating case study in how intermodality has matured in Europe. Origins: The first air–rail product debuted in 1995, and since 2001 Air France has partnered with rail operators to integrate train journeys into its flight network. Impact: Over 4 million travelers have used the service, with more than 100,000 high-speed rail connections offered. Seamless travel: One booking covers both train and flight, with baggage checked through from Brussels station to the final destination. Premium experience: First-class TGV seating, SkyPriority benefits, and lounge access at Brussels-Midi. Resilience: In case of delays, passengers are automatically rebooked at no extra cost. Decarbonization strategy: Intermodality complements Air France’s broader sustainability efforts—fleet renewal (A220, A350), sustainable aviation fuel, and eco-piloting. Why this matters This model shows how airlines can replace short-haul feeder flights with high-speed rail, reducing emissions while maintaining connectivity to global hubs. It’s also a blueprint for how aviation and rail can cooperate to meet Europe’s climate goals without sacrificing convenience.
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