BACKGROUND Air France launched twice-daily flights (once a day at weekends) from London City to Nantes in western France in April under its subsidiary VLM Cityjet, and is the only airline now serving this route. Flights depart London at 0815, arriving at 1100, and 1750, arriving at 2030.
Belgian carrier VLM started operations in 1993, but in 2007 was acquired by Air France-KLM. Since then, the group has been taking steps to merge VLM with its other London City airport operation, Cityjet. Once complete, the Cityjet brand will have incorporated VLM’s flight schedules and fleet of Fokker 50 aircraft.
CHECK-IN I arrived at 1600 for the 1735 flight from Nantes to London City, and checked in at Air France economy desk E as I had some French wine I had just got from a nearby vineyard and consequently couldn’t take it in my hand luggage. From here, I went upstairs and then through security where there was no queue at all. There was a small duty-free area and café airside, but I decided to head straight for the gate. (Turn right for gates 41-53 and left for gates 21-37.)
I turned left for Gate 37, went through passport control and then entered a spacious, empty waiting area with plenty of free seating – it was a Sunday afternoon, after all.
BOARDING Boarding began at 1700, and after being transported via shuttle bus, we entered the plane from the front, up a flight of steps.
THE SEAT The Fokker 50 is a tiny aircraft configured 2-2 (A-B, C-D) and I had been assigned aisle seat 7C beneath the wing. I noticed that seats in this row, as well as in rows five and six, have less overhead storage space, but as I only had a handbag on this occasion it wasn’t a problem.
Business class on this flight comprised of the front two rows – 1A-B and 2A-B, C-D. A small stack of French newspapers (Le Monde and Le Figaro) were placed on 1B for passengers flying in this class.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? If you have much in the way of cabin luggage, avoid seats in rows five to seven because of the reduced overhead storage space. Other than that, seats are all much the same – your only concern is selecting your preferred window or aisle option. Seats in row 13 do, however, offer more legroom.
THE FLIGHT Take-off was on time at 1735, and the snack service began 15 minutes later. I had a gin and tonic, and a white roll filled with cumin-seed cheese (very good), followed by a cup of tea. Caramel sweets were also offered. I read my book for the remainder of the short flight.
ARRIVAL Landing was 20 minutes early, at 1800 local time. London City airport was very quiet and I was through immigration and collecting my case from baggage reclaim in under ten minutes.
VERDICT A punctual short-haul service with good economy class seating, drinks and snacks.
PRICE Internet rates for return economy class flights in December started from £172 with Air France.
CONTACT airfrance.co.uk, flyvlm.com
Jenny Southan
