Tunisair has upgraded its Paris Orly service for the peak summer season by introducing the Airbus A340-300, starting in late July 2025. This move aims to meet high travel demand between Tunisia and France 🇫🇷, especially for the Tunisian diaspora, tourists, and business travelers.
The airline officially announced on July 31, 2025, that it would use a wet-leased Airbus A340-300 on the Tunis–Paris Orly route. Wet-leasing means Tunisair rents both the plane and crew from a Romanian partner, allowing the airline to quickly add more seats without buying new planes or training extra staff. The first flights with the A340-300 began in the last week of July and are scheduled to continue into August, with possible extensions if demand stays high.
Key Details for Travelers:
– Flight Schedule: The Airbus A340-300 operates on select daily flights, including TU718 (Tunis–Paris Orly, 07:50–11:15), alongside regular Airbus A320 services.
– Capacity: The A340-300 carries about 275–300 passengers, nearly double the A320’s 150 seats, making it easier for more people to find seats during busy periods.
– Classes: Both Economy and Business Class are available, but there is no Premium Economy or First Class.
– Flight Time: The direct flight takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes, covering 910 miles (1,465 km).
– Booking: Passengers can book these flights through Tunisair’s official website, travel agencies, or online platforms. It’s important to check the aircraft type when booking, as both A320 and A340-300 planes are used.
Why This Matters:
Tunisair operates up to 25 flights per week between Tunis and Paris Orly. The extra capacity from the A340-300 helps reduce overbooking and gives travelers more options, especially during the summer rush. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move also strengthens Tunisair’s position against competitors like Transavia, which uses smaller Boeing 737-800 planes on the same route.
Aviation experts say using a large, widebody aircraft like the Airbus A340-300 on a short route is unusual but makes sense when demand is high. Wet-leasing gives Tunisair flexibility, letting the airline adjust quickly without long-term costs. This approach is seen as a smart way to handle seasonal spikes while Tunisair considers future fleet upgrades.
Impacts on Different Groups:
– Passengers: Enjoy more seat availability and possibly a more comfortable ride on the larger A340-300.
– Tunisair: Gains flexibility and can earn more revenue during busy times without big investments.
– Competitors: Face pressure to improve their own services and capacity.
Looking Ahead:
If the A340-300 proves successful, Tunisair may use similar planes on other busy routes, such as to Montréal 🇨🇦 or Jeddah 🇸🇦, or during future peak seasons. The airline is also reviewing its long-term fleet plans to better serve growing demand.
For the latest schedules, booking details, and customer service, travelers should visit Tunisair’s official website. For official information about travel to France 🇫🇷, including visa requirements, consult the French government’s visa portal.
This upgrade marks a significant step for Tunisair, showing its commitment to serving the Tunis–Paris Orly route with greater capacity and improved service.
Learn Today
Airbus A340-300 → A large widebody aircraft seating 275-300 passengers, used for long or high-demand short routes.
Wet-leasing → Renting aircraft and crew from another airline, allowing quick capacity increases without buying planes.
Paris Orly → A major Paris airport serving domestic, European, and international flights, key for North Africa–France travel.
Overbooking → Selling more seats than available, common in airlines, minimized by added aircraft capacity.
Tunis–Paris route → Popular air connection between Tunisia and Paris, serving tourists, business travelers, and the diaspora.
This Article in a Nutshell
Tunisair upgrades Tunis–Paris Orly flights with the Airbus A340-300 starting July 2025, doubling seat capacity and easing summer travel demand. Using wet-lease planes, it adds flexibility without buying new aircraft. This change improves passenger options, reduces overbooking, and enhances Tunisair’s competitive position against rivals on this route.
— By VisaVerge.com
