French Football Team Arrives in Boston via All-Business Class Flight
On June 10, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) welcomed a remarkable guest: an all-business class Airbus A321neo from the French airline La Compagnie. This special flight carried the French national football team, who are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The journey began at Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG), known as Europe’s busiest hub for business aviation, and took nearly eight hours. The aircraft, which has 76 seats, provides a luxurious experience for its passengers. Each seat can lie flat and is arranged in a comfortable 2-2 configuration across 19 rows, making it a significant upgrade from standard transatlantic flights.
A Smooth Landing
The flight took off just after 2 PM local time in Paris and landed in Boston at 3:59 PM. Upon arrival, the players took some memorable pictures, both inside and outside the aircraft. This particular A321neo is normally used for La Compagnie’s scheduled services to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
In total, 26 players were on board, along with coaches and support staff. The team was greeted by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and enthusiastic fans before heading to their hotel at the Four Seasons to kick-start their preparations for the World Cup. La Compagnie shared their excitement on social media, stating, “They’ve arrived safely in Boston! As the Official Airline Partner, we had the honor of welcoming the French National Football Team on board one of our Airbus A321neo.”
Inside the A321neo
Flying on a La Compagnie A321neo is unlike a typical narrowbody flight. The cabin features lie-flat seats from Collins Aerospace, ensuring comfort. Each seat comes with a large 15.6-inch screen for entertainment, along with top-notch service both in the air and on the ground.
Passengers enjoy meals crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, coupled with a selection of premium wines—though it remains uncertain whether the players had any alcohol before the World Cup. La Compagnie maintains just two A321neo aircraft in their fleet, and the one that flew to Boston is a six-year-old model that joined their lineup in September 2019.
New Trends in Air Travel
Typically used for short domestic routes, narrowbody jets are now making their way into international skies, thanks to longer-range models like the A321LR and A321XLR. The Boeing 737 MAX series also offers extended flight capabilities, allowing airlines to serve transatlantic routes more efficiently.
World Cup Charter Flights
As the World Cup approaches, various national teams are chartering special flights to reach their destinations. Notable flights, like an Iberia Airbus A350 carrying the Spanish team to Nashville, showcase the unique aircraft now landing in cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
One significant trip included Argentina’s 11-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Kansas City using an Airbus A330-200. In response to the heightened demand from fans and teams, airlines are increasing capacity on popular routes.
La Compagnie plans to expand its U.S. operations this summer, having added a Boeing 757-200 to its fleet. This lease, sourced from Icelandair, will help the airline connect Paris Orly (ORY) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Newark, a strategy aimed at meeting the rising demand during the World Cup festivities.
