This 1956 original Air France poster, titled “Réseau Aérien Mondial” (World Air Network), is a stunning example of mid-century airline advertising. Designed at a time when air travel was becoming increasingly accessible to the global public, this poster serves as both a promotional and informational piece, showcasing Air France’s extensive international network.
The map-based design features a colorful, stylized world map, with Air France’s flight routes meticulously drawn, radiating from its central hub in Paris. The striking orange and teal color scheme gives the map a vibrant, eye-catching quality, emphasizing the airline’s far-reaching presence across multiple continents. Notably, the Super Constellation and Vickers Viscount aircraft are illustrated in the lower corners, representing the cutting-edge fleet that made these long-haul routes possible.
A tagline beneath the map proudly states:
"Sur le plus long réseau du monde, les appareils les plus modernes.”
(On the world’s largest air network, the world’s best new aircraft.)
During the 1950s, Air France was rapidly expanding its operations, becoming one of the premier global airlines. The Lockheed Super Constellation, known for its elegant design and transatlantic capabilities, was a flagship aircraft for luxury air travel at the time. Meanwhile, the Vickers Viscount, one of the first turboprop airliners, introduced greater efficiency and comfort to regional flights.
This poster would have been displayed in travel agencies, airports, and ticket offices, inspiring travelers to explore new destinations via Air France. It embodies the spirit of the Golden Age of Travel, when flying was considered a prestigious and glamorous experience.
Today, this vintage airline poster is a sought-after collector’s item, appealing to aviation enthusiasts, travel history buffs, and lovers of mid-century graphic design. It remains a beautiful reminder of the era when global air travel was revolutionizing the way people experienced the world.
Airline - Planisphere - Map - France
On the longest network in the world, the most modern devices - The super constellation The Vickers Viscount
Printed by Perceval in Paris
Good condition, one tear at the top left
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