Air France has officially commemorated eight decades of continuous service in Nigeria with the launch of a special historical exhibition in Lagos. The airline, in collaboration with Alliance Française, unveiled the showcase to celebrate one of its longest and most significant partnerships on the African continent.
A Visual Journey Through Eight Decades
The exhibition, named “Bridging Cultures – The Nigerian-French Connection,” opened to the public on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Alliance Française Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi. It will remain open for visitors until February 7, 2026. The display offers a rich, visual narrative of the shared history between the airline and Nigeria, featuring rare photographs, iconographic materials, and memorabilia. Some items trace back to the founding of Air France itself in 1933.
Key attractions for visitors include the evolution of Air France crew uniforms, showcasing designs from the classic white Barman style of 1938 to modern-day attire. The exhibition also charts the advancement in aircraft technology, illustrating the shift from early models like the DC-4 to the contemporary, efficient Airbus A350.
An 'Oak Wedding' of Partnership and Resilience
The opening ceremony drew a distinguished crowd of aviation experts, diplomats, business leaders, and government officials. Notable attendees included Captain Chris Najomo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In his address, the Consul General of France in Lagos, Mr. Laurent Favier, offered a poignant metaphor for the enduring relationship. He described the Air France-Nigeria bond as an “oak wedding,” symbolising strength, stability, and the ability to withstand challenges over time. “Like any married couple, Air France and Nigeria are celebrating an oak wedding. The oak represents resistance and stability. Despite challenges over the years, this union has continued to shine,” Favier stated.
He emphasised that Air France's role in Nigeria goes far beyond moving passengers. “Air France delivers the best of France to the world—elegance, haute couture, gastronomy, renowned designers and hospitality. It has been spreading French excellence across the globe since 1933 and continues to act as an ambassador of French culture,” he added, highlighting its impact on economic development and cultural diplomacy.
Sustained Investment and Daily Connections
Mr. Jean-Luc Mevellec, the General Manager of Air France Nigeria, echoed the sentiment of a deep-rooted partnership. “This exhibition is a testament to our longstanding partnership with Nigeria. We are proud to share our journey and to celebrate the cultural and economic ties that have connected our two countries for 80 years,” he said.
Mevellec provided current operational details, noting that Air France maintains a robust schedule connecting Nigeria to the world. The airline operates daily flights on the Lagos to Paris Charles de Gaulle route and offers three weekly flights from Abuja to Paris. These services provide Nigerian travellers with seamless connections to over 200 global destinations.
He also confirmed the airline's ongoing investments in the Nigerian market, which include recent renovations of its Lagos airport lounge and upgrades to its ticketing offices in both Lagos and Abuja.
Mr. Marc Brebant, Director of Alliance Française Lagos, congratulated Air France on its milestone. He praised the exhibition as a unique project that masterfully blends history, culture, and the excellence of aviation.
Reflecting on the core theme, Consul General Favier concluded, “Travel is about people moving from Nigeria to France and from France to Nigeria. It is about bridging cultures and nations. Air France is a vehicle that carries these values between our countries.”
This historic exhibition not only allows Air France to reflect on its rich aviation heritage but also celebrates decades of collaboration that continue to strengthen business, tourism, and cultural relations between Nigeria and France, firmly positioning Lagos as a key gateway for global connections from West Africa.
