Baccarat Rouge perfumer Francis Kurkdjian partners with Air France

Francis Kurkdjian is bringing the spirit of Baccarat Rouge 540 to Air France with the launch of its first-ever signature fragrance, ‘AF001’. Crafted by the master perfumer, notable for beloved fragrances such as Grand Soir and Aqua Universalis, this bespoke scent blends French perfumery with the elegance of Air France and its rich heritage. Launching on Jan. 15, 2025 AF001 is set to debut in premium lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, gradually expanding to lounges worldwide.

French Heritage and Elegance

The name AF001 pays homage to the iconic Air France Concorde flights during the 1970s, a tribute to the golden era of supersonic air travel between Paris and New York. Crafted over two years, Kurkdjian wanted the fragrance to capture the essence of a fresh sunny day in the sky through top notes of musk, mimosa, while hints of jasmine and rose offer a delicate floral touch, evoking serenity and sophistication. 

Kurkdjian underscores this: 

Designing the Air France fragrance was obvious for me. AF001 is more of a feeling, it’s about capturing a moment suspended in flight. It has to give a feeling of wanderlust, of fresh air, of purity.

{Translated from French by Christian Thevathasan}

A Sensory Experience in Exclusive Lounges

As of Jan. 15, 2025, travellers with access to select Air France lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle can delight in AF001. Kurkdjian describes it as ‘if your face were being kissed by a flowery breeze’. The fragrance will be present in key areas, including lobbies, lounges, and Air France’s La Première suites. The rollout will expand introducing the fragrance to lounges worldwide, further enhancing the Air France travel experience.

SVP of Customer Experience, Fabien Pelous elaborates:

The Air France travel experience now elevates all five senses: sight, with the haute couture uniforms of our staff, our cabin interiors and the meticulous design of our lounges; taste with the delicious dishes on the menu on board; touch with the soft fabrics of our seats; sound with our playlists on board… and now smell, with this prestigious signature fragrance.

Francis Kurkdjian: A Legacy of Fragrance

As the artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian and celebrated perfumer, it is no doubt that Kurkdjian has brought his unparalleled expertise to the creation of AF001. Known for iconic fragrances like Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Mâle, Kurkdjian is celebrated for converging tradition with innovation.

As co-founder of Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Creative Director of Parfums Christian Dior, his work encapsulates the magic of French artistry. His attention to detail makes him the perfect partner for Air France’s venture into the world of signature fragrances.

Book your next journey today and become engulfed in a sensory journey with Air France and Maison Francis Kurkdjian.