I Flew Air France’s BIZARRE South American Island Hopper
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Date: 2025-09-28
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Comments and reviews: 20
scottnichols3685
NoelGreat video, as usual.
Going back many decades, Air France maintained local networks within various areas of the world based on the nation’s )colonial legacy. For example, Air France flew local services within the French Caribbean and French Africa (wirh separate networks within North Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Madagascar.
Air France has maintained its local network within the Caribbean for this entire time with adjustments here and there.
Air France did nor retire its last DC-4 until 1967, and one of its last missions was within the French Caribbean.
Air France did not begin flying Paris to Miami until around 1987, but Air France maintained a presence in MIA since the late 1960s with an extension of its internal Caribbean network.
Initially, Air France operated this flight with the Caravelle jet, and replaced it later in the 1970s with a 737-200 leased from Western Airines. Air France operated from a ground level gate at the extreme end of the old E concourse.
The flight to/from MIA generally operated MIA-PAP-SJU-ANU-PTP-FDF. Passengers boarding in MIA were not permitted to purchase tickets MIA-SJU as that was a US domestic city pair.
There was another Caravelle flight in the French Caribbean operating PTP-FDF-POS-GEO-CAY. Stops in BGI and PBM were also scheduled.
The DC-4 operated PTP-SXM-SJU, and also between PTP and FDF.
PTP and FDF had the only direct link to the main network in Paris with nonstop flights from PTP and an extension from to FDF.
As a small child, I used to read the Official Airline Guide, and knew about all the unique flights around the world. When I was at MIA, I would stare across the ramp from the National concourse at the Air France Caravelle and 737 getting ready to depart on this historic route.
The route you flew has a great historical legacy.
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NoelGreat video, as usual.
Going back many decades, Air France maintained local networks within various areas of the world based on the nation’s )colonial legacy. For example, Air France flew local services within the French Caribbean and French Africa (wirh separate networks within North Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Madagascar.
Air France has maintained its local network within the Caribbean for this entire time with adjustments here and there.
Air France did nor retire its last DC-4 until 1967, and one of its last missions was within the French Caribbean.
Air France did not begin flying Paris to Miami until around 1987, but Air France maintained a presence in MIA since the late 1960s with an extension of its internal Caribbean network.
Initially, Air France operated this flight with the Caravelle jet, and replaced it later in the 1970s with a 737-200 leased from Western Airines. Air France operated from a ground level gate at the extreme end of the old E concourse.
The flight to/from MIA generally operated MIA-PAP-SJU-ANU-PTP-FDF. Passengers boarding in MIA were not permitted to purchase tickets MIA-SJU as that was a US domestic city pair.
There was another Caravelle flight in the French Caribbean operating PTP-FDF-POS-GEO-CAY. Stops in BGI and PBM were also scheduled.
The DC-4 operated PTP-SXM-SJU, and also between PTP and FDF.
PTP and FDF had the only direct link to the main network in Paris with nonstop flights from PTP and an extension from to FDF.
As a small child, I used to read the Official Airline Guide, and knew about all the unique flights around the world. When I was at MIA, I would stare across the ramp from the National concourse at the Air France Caravelle and 737 getting ready to depart on this historic route.
The route you flew has a great historical legacy.
reply
gasimmohammed4594
I was just telling myself that watching Noel on a Sunday morning is relaxing. But your comments regarding Guadalupe at 9: 47 and 11: 00 were uncalled for and to be honest a bit out of character for you. Usually you reserve such comment to an airport or airline but not a country. Makes me wonder whether your move to the US has you seeing things different. And BTW, what was the purpose of the scene at 11: 42 - 11: 46 I felt we were taken along for a peep as it seemed inappropriate. But thats just me.
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I was just telling myself that watching Noel on a Sunday morning is relaxing. But your comments regarding Guadalupe at 9: 47 and 11: 00 were uncalled for and to be honest a bit out of character for you. Usually you reserve such comment to an airport or airline but not a country. Makes me wonder whether your move to the US has you seeing things different. And BTW, what was the purpose of the scene at 11: 42 - 11: 46 I felt we were taken along for a peep as it seemed inappropriate. But thats just me.
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originalloverman
I wish you posted more and showed more of the airport in Cayenne, next time go there and transit back to St Martin, the French part. I’m sure that’s some thing you’ve never done. Also Gayana and Anguilla now has direct flights to the US would love to see the airport. Thanks again for a good video, just keep in mind that a lot of us has never been in many of these airports so the more you post the more we could live through you.
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I wish you posted more and showed more of the airport in Cayenne, next time go there and transit back to St Martin, the French part. I’m sure that’s some thing you’ve never done. Also Gayana and Anguilla now has direct flights to the US would love to see the airport. Thanks again for a good video, just keep in mind that a lot of us has never been in many of these airports so the more you post the more we could live through you.
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noel_philips
Hi, I have a question and it is that I don't know why did you pass through passport control in Cayenne, even if it is a domestic flight through the French islands. Did the people in the plane that went to Martinique or Guadaloupe had to pass through immigration when they arrived to their destinations Honestly, I don't know how does that works. Great video, Noel. Cheers.
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Hi, I have a question and it is that I don't know why did you pass through passport control in Cayenne, even if it is a domestic flight through the French islands. Did the people in the plane that went to Martinique or Guadaloupe had to pass through immigration when they arrived to their destinations Honestly, I don't know how does that works. Great video, Noel. Cheers.
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noel_philips
French Guiana is no more a dependency of France than Hawaii is of the United States. They are fully integrated parts of the country, with exactly the same rights as the mainland. Of course, it may be difficult for a British person to understand this, since their overseas territories do not enjoy the same rights as the UK itself.
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French Guiana is no more a dependency of France than Hawaii is of the United States. They are fully integrated parts of the country, with exactly the same rights as the mainland. Of course, it may be difficult for a British person to understand this, since their overseas territories do not enjoy the same rights as the UK itself.
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markjones2781
Noel mate,
You seem to have forgotten to mention it, but it was plain to see that the meal came with a salad. You should eat the salad and maybe forget the dessert, Noel. Particularly if you want to live longer with limited disability. Maybe even hit the gym on your layovers.
Believe me, Racheal will appreciate it.
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Noel mate,
You seem to have forgotten to mention it, but it was plain to see that the meal came with a salad. You should eat the salad and maybe forget the dessert, Noel. Particularly if you want to live longer with limited disability. Maybe even hit the gym on your layovers.
Believe me, Racheal will appreciate it.
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egpx
A320s aren’t exactly tiny. But yeah, you wouldn’t expect to see an Air France example in the Americas. They have been operating short-medium services there for many years though. I believe the first jets were Caravelles and then they had a couple of 737-200s specifically for those routes.
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A320s aren’t exactly tiny. But yeah, you wouldn’t expect to see an Air France example in the Americas. They have been operating short-medium services there for many years though. I believe the first jets were Caravelles and then they had a couple of 737-200s specifically for those routes.
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jamiedonohue4884
Great Noel! I will be replicating that in X-plane! What a fascinating thing to do. An Air France A320 into Miami Cool! I can't believe the European style business class its nuts! All the best to Rach and the kids and I hope your skin cancer surgeries are healing up nicely!
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Great Noel! I will be replicating that in X-plane! What a fascinating thing to do. An Air France A320 into Miami Cool! I can't believe the European style business class its nuts! All the best to Rach and the kids and I hope your skin cancer surgeries are healing up nicely!
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paulkazzer
Your Miami arrival shot showed a Iberia 320 that also does intra regional flights linking up to trans Atlantic services. Iberia reduced these services when the US imposed strict visa rules for transit passengers making the whole process time consuming and unreliable.
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Your Miami arrival shot showed a Iberia 320 that also does intra regional flights linking up to trans Atlantic services. Iberia reduced these services when the US imposed strict visa rules for transit passengers making the whole process time consuming and unreliable.
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skone2188
This route has interested me for quite a while, having been multiples times to French Guiana and Martinique in the past, but only at separate times which did not allow me to try this route! Will try to in the future, thanks for showcasing it!
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This route has interested me for quite a while, having been multiples times to French Guiana and Martinique in the past, but only at separate times which did not allow me to try this route! Will try to in the future, thanks for showcasing it!
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markuswalter5893
Flag of trumpistan on the Tshirt and the socks, saying he is going back to America when already on the continent, not realizing when it changes from domestic to international and then all the jokes with stereotypes and disrespect -
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Flag of trumpistan on the Tshirt and the socks, saying he is going back to America when already on the continent, not realizing when it changes from domestic to international and then all the jokes with stereotypes and disrespect -
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JohnDoe-sr1dd
Noel, if you like island hoppers, try the United Airlines island hopper from Hawaii to Micronesia. Beautiful views, not so beautiful aircraft. On the bright side, the one I flew still had the old school air phones in the seatback.
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Noel, if you like island hoppers, try the United Airlines island hopper from Hawaii to Micronesia. Beautiful views, not so beautiful aircraft. On the bright side, the one I flew still had the old school air phones in the seatback.
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NiVRO90
Imagine driving the 1. 2 Puretech on a island without supplies and waiting DAYS for parts when (and they do) brake down.
LMAO. To find out the garages on the island don't have the tools and computers to repair your car hahaha
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Imagine driving the 1. 2 Puretech on a island without supplies and waiting DAYS for parts when (and they do) brake down.
LMAO. To find out the garages on the island don't have the tools and computers to repair your car hahaha
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tomsenior7405
We all share your embarrassment with regards to our language skills. Having said that, after six months in France, I became fluent at miming. Unfortunately, I was never able to master the art of ordering Mushroom Soup.
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We all share your embarrassment with regards to our language skills. Having said that, after six months in France, I became fluent at miming. Unfortunately, I was never able to master the art of ordering Mushroom Soup.
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colinsmith6901
Fun hops there Noel, strange entry to a jetbridge too. btw I flew FRA - CDG to purposely log a Babybus, years back, so really pleased my scheduled A318 wasnt substituted by an A320 that day!
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Fun hops there Noel, strange entry to a jetbridge too. btw I flew FRA - CDG to purposely log a Babybus, years back, so really pleased my scheduled A318 wasnt substituted by an A320 that day!
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andfand92
I wonder if they have a few 320s stationed down there or if they move them back to france, and what route they then take. Probably empty with a stop at one of the islands in the atlantic right
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I wonder if they have a few 320s stationed down there or if they move them back to france, and what route they then take. Probably empty with a stop at one of the islands in the atlantic right
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jarrettc7215
I was told that that Air France route is one of the most senior lines in the system. The pilots live in Martinique or Guadalupe island life and get payed tons. Believe it if you will.
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I was told that that Air France route is one of the most senior lines in the system. The pilots live in Martinique or Guadalupe island life and get payed tons. Believe it if you will.
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Sammyjane72x
Fun fact. Any EU citizen can visit Cayenne, Martinique and Gaudeloupe with an EU national ID card and can leave thier passport at home so long as the departure point is also in the EU.
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Fun fact. Any EU citizen can visit Cayenne, Martinique and Gaudeloupe with an EU national ID card and can leave thier passport at home so long as the departure point is also in the EU.
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Springbok295
I photographed one of AF's 737-300s at MIA in 1996. I think it was going to Haiti or Guadeloupe. They used Caravelles in the early mid 70s before switching to 737-200s in the 80s.
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I photographed one of AF's 737-300s at MIA in 1996. I think it was going to Haiti or Guadeloupe. They used Caravelles in the early mid 70s before switching to 737-200s in the 80s.
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Cibartus
Confused here. You said at Guardapoop that you had got back on the same plane and the same seat. Is that literal as in the identical plane you had just disembarked a few minutes ago
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Confused here. You said at Guardapoop that you had got back on the same plane and the same seat. Is that literal as in the identical plane you had just disembarked a few minutes ago
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