Air Côte d’Ivoire will officially welcome its first Airbus A330-900neo on Friday, August 29, 2025, marking a major step in its transition to long-haul operations. The aircraft, which recently completed its maiden test flight, will become the carrier’s first wide-body jet.
With the delivery, the airline is preparing to launch daily nonstop flights between Abidjan and Paris-Charles de Gaulle starting September 18, 2025. Departures from Abidjan are scheduled in the evening, with early morning arrivals in Paris, positioning the route to serve both business and leisure travelers.
The new A330-900neo will accommodate 242 passengers across four classes—first, business, premium economy, and economy—introducing a premium onboard experience that rivals larger international carriers. Financing for the aircraft, valued at $76.6 million, was secured through a Sukuk facility supported by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD).
The Abidjan–Paris service places Air Côte d’Ivoire in direct competition with Air France and Corsair, both of which already operate on the route. However, the Ivorian carrier aims to stand out with its four-class product and its ability to connect passengers from its 29 destinations across West and Central Africa via Abidjan.
Looking ahead, Air Côte d’Ivoire intends to expand beyond Paris, with potential future long-haul routes to London, Geneva, and U.S. cities such as New York and Washington. The strategy is part of the airline’s ambition to establish Abidjan as a key West African hub, strengthening its role as a bridge between the region and global markets.
