AIRFrance is aiming to generate 20% of its bookings through its new London call centre by 2001.
The Wembley facility will be fully operational by April 2001 and will replace 33 centres situated around Europe. Agents will also be able to use the centre to make reservations.
Speaking at the official opening of the unit, Air France chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta said the centre, coupled with growth at Paris hub Charles de Gaulle and its alliance with Delta Air Lines, formed part of a strategy to make the airline more competitive.
Staff are trained in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Catalan. Within two years, the 280 staff will be able to answer calls in 10 languages.
Calls from 13 European countries, excluding France, will be handled in Wembley.
From November 3, members of Air France’s frequent-flyer scheme will also be able to use the unit for enquiries.