Brit Air
A former French regional airline that operated scheduled services for Air France, primarily using Bombardier regional jets before becoming part of HOP! in 2013.
About Brit Air
Brit Air was a French regional airline founded in 1973 in Brittany. Initially an independent operator, it developed into an important feeder carrier for Air France and became a wholly owned Air France subsidiary in 2000. Its aircraft generally flew in Air France colours under franchise or group arrangements. Brit Air ceased operating as a distinct airline in 2013 when Air France consolidated it with Regional and Airlinair under the HOP! brand.
The airline maintained its corporate base in Morlaix, Brittany, while its scheduled network centred mainly on Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon–Saint Exupéry. It connected French regional cities with major domestic hubs and also served selected destinations elsewhere in Europe. Much of its operation was designed to feed passengers into Air France’s wider short-haul and long-haul network rather than function as a standalone international network.
Brit Air became particularly associated with Bombardier regional jets, including CRJ100, CRJ700 and CRJ1000 aircraft, and it also operated Fokker 100s during its history. Cabins were configured for short-haul regional flying, with service standards and fare products largely determined by Air France. Depending on the route and period, passengers could encounter economy service or the corresponding Air France premium product available on domestic and European flights.
Through its role within the Air France group, Brit Air participated in Air France’s SkyTeam network rather than holding a separate alliance identity. Eligible passengers could earn and redeem miles through Flying Blue, the loyalty programme used by Air France and KLM. Connections, through-ticketing and status benefits were generally handled under Air France rules when flights were marketed or sold as part of the group’s network.
Brit Air’s principal strength was its ability to link smaller French markets with large connecting hubs using aircraft suited to thinner regional routes. However, regional jets can feel more confined than mainline aircraft, particularly in overhead-storage space. Its identity is now historical: travellers will not find new flights sold under the Brit Air name, as its operations were absorbed into HOP!, which later became Air France HOP.
Good to know
Flying with Brit Air — what to expect
No Current Flights
Brit Air ceased operating as a separate airline in 2013. Any current listing using its name or former DB code should be checked carefully before booking.
Regional Jet Cabins
Brit Air mainly used regional jets, where cabin space and overhead bins were typically smaller than on mainline aircraft. Larger cabin bags could therefore be placed in the hold at the gate.
Air France Integration
Most services were closely integrated with Air France, including ticketing, connections and airport handling. Historical booking documents may show an Air France flight number alongside Brit Air as the operating carrier.
Loyalty Recognition
Eligible Brit Air flights marketed within the Air France network could qualify for Flying Blue benefits. Credit for old flights depends on the fare, marketing carrier and programme rules applicable at the time.
Historical Baggage Rules
Baggage allowances followed the conditions attached to the Air France-issued ticket rather than one universal Brit Air allowance. Travellers reviewing an old itinerary should consult the ticket receipt for the applicable limits.
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FAQ
Brit Air — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Brit Air flights generally followed the baggage conditions attached to the Air France ticket, while the small overhead bins on regional jets could impose practical limits. Exact dimensions and weight depended on the fare rules and period of travel.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Brit Air is defunct, searches may instead return current operators serving comparable routes.
- Brit Air’s network was principally organised around Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon–Saint Exupéry, with substantial connecting traffic for Air France. The airline no longer operates independently.
- Brit Air no longer flies under its own name. Historically, it connected regional cities in France with Air France hubs and served selected European destinations.
- There is no current longest route because Brit Air no longer operates. Its historical network changed over time, and a definitive longest route cannot be stated reliably without reference to a particular timetable.
- Brit Air tickets are no longer sold because the airline ceased operating separately in 2013. For comparable Air France regional journeys, lower fares are often easier to find by booking early and avoiding peak holiday and business-travel periods.
- Brit Air currently serves no destinations because it ceased operating as a distinct airline in 2013. Historical network totals varied by timetable and Air France’s regional requirements.
- Historically, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon–Saint Exupéry were among the most important departure and connecting airports in Brit Air’s network. Regional French airports also generated substantial feeder traffic.