Air France is launching CANAL+ on board its long-haul flights
Johannesburg | Air France and CANAL+ have announced an unprecedented new partnership. From 1 May 2025, the airline will be offering privileged access to a selection of CANAL+ programmes on all its long-haul flights. Customers will soon be able to watch CANAL+ Creation Originale series, must-see programmes, comedy shows, documentaries and children's shows during their trip. All this content will enhance Air France's entertainment offer, which also includes a large number of movies.
By teaming up with CANAL+, a leader in audiovisual creation in France, Air France is continuing to promote French savoir-faire throughout the world. This is a strong commitment on the part of Air France, which devotes 30% of its entertainment offer to French productions, with its selection of films and TV series.
Very soon, Air France customers will be able to enjoy episodes of recent or iconic CANAL+ Creation Originale series during their flight, such as The Embers, Of Money and Blood and Versailles. Flagship shows such as En Aparté and comedy shows with Laura Felpin, Roman Frayssinet and many others will also be available. Captivating documentaries on travel, discovery and sport, as well as children's content, will round off the variety of shows on offer. From June 2025, the selection will be enhanced with content from CANAL+ Africa, such as the series Niabla and the documentary series Enquête d'Afrique.
In total, around 100 CANAL+ programmes will be available at the time of launch in French, subtitled and adapted for the deaf and hard of hearing. This selection will be renewed with twenty new programmes every month.
"We are proud to be showcasing CANAL+ programmes on board our flights. Renowned throughout the world for their creativity, I'm sure they will appeal to our customers and promote French culture. They also enable us to offer more up-to-date content on board our flights," said Fabien Pelous, SVP Customer Experience at Air France.
"We are delighted with this unique partnership, which will enable Air France passengers to enjoy an exclusive entertainment experience on board its long-haul flights. We are particularly honoured that Air France has chosen CANAL+ to create its first and only dedicated media space, reinforcing our commitment to promoting French, and soon African, audiovisual creation throughout the world," added Christophe Pinard-Legry, CEO of CANAL+ France in charge of Business activities.
Over 1,500 hours of in-flight entertainment
In all Air France long-haul cabins, customers have access to a large high-definition screen offering over 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment. In the most recent cabins, the anti-glare screen offers 4K quality and is equipped with a Bluetooth connection for connecting personal headphones or earphones. In addition, the airline is gradually rolling out a new touch-sensitive graphic interface on its 38,000 screens, available in 12 languages and allowing passengers to choose their programme more easily.
Carefully selected, Air France's film selection is adapted to everyone's tastes and cultures, and is available in the original version or in several different languages. The airline offers more than 310 films of all genres, from the most classic to the most recent, showcasing French cinema as well as world cinema and the biggest American blockbusters. It also offers series, reports, documentaries, music, podcasts, destination guides and children's programmes. There's also a section dedicated to well-being, where young and old alike can try their hand at meditation or seated yoga during their trip. Finally, an interactive map and an on-board camera allow users to follow the flight path and watch the take-off and landing from their seat.
About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
For over a century, KLM has been a pioneer in the airline industry. KLM is the oldest airline still operating under its original name and aims to be the leading European network carrier in customer-centricity, efficiency and sustainability. The KLM network connects the Netherlands with all of the world's key economic regions and is a powerful engine driving the Dutch economy.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is part of the Air France–KLM Group. KLM is also a member of the global
SkyTeam Alliance, which has 19 member airlines.
ABOUT CANAL+
Founded as a French subscription-TV channel 40 years ago, CANAL+ is now a global media and entertainment company. The group has 26.9 million subscribers worldwide, over 400 million monthly active users on its OTT and video streaming platforms, and a total of more than 9,000 employees. It generates revenues in 195 countries and operates directly in 52 countries, with leading positions in Pay-TV in 20 of them. CANAL+ operates across the entire audio-visual value chain, including production, broadcast, distribution and aggregation.
It is home to STUDIOCANAL, a leading film and television studio with worldwide production and distribution capabilities; Dailymotion, one of the world's largest short-form video streaming platforms; Thema, a production and distribution company specialising in creating and distributing diverse content and channels; and telecommunication services, through GVA in Africa and CANAL+ Telecom in the French overseas jurisdictions and territories. It also operates the iconic performance venues L'Olympia and Théâtre de l'Œuvre in France and CanalOlympia in Africa.
CANAL+ has also significant equity stakes across Africa, Europe and Asia, namely in MultiChoice (the Pay-TV leader in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa), Viaplay (the Pay-TV leader in Scandinavia) and Viu (a leading OTT platform in Southern-Asia).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
EU, Britain reach post-Brexit deal on Gibraltar Border
12 June 2025 00:14 BRUSSELS (WAM)The European Union (EU) and Britain have agreed on the status of the overseas territory of Gibraltar, facilitating border crossings and resolving years of political territory has had its border arrangements with Spain as a significant point of contention since the United Kingdom's decision to withdraw from the EU in Wednesday's agreement, arrivals at Gibraltar Airport will present their passports to both Gibraltarian and Spanish border British Foreign Office stated that this system mirrors the model used by French police at London's St. Pancras station, the terminus for the Eurostar service connecting Britain with mainland Europe. "We have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again," British Foreign Minister David Lammy said.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
13 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Best restaurants near Etihad Arena: Where to fuel up ahead of concerts
Etihad Arena is buzzing most days of the week with award ceremonies, mega concerts, and even UFC and NBA. All that buzzing, however, means lots and lots of hungry – and thirsty – visitors on Yas Island. Luckily, the island is jam-packed with lots of brilliant bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena (something our waistlines and the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist can attest to). So whether you're in the area for a show or just popping in, here are the best bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena – according to our official list of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Bonus: All of the spots on this list are within a short walking distance of the arena, making it perfect for fuelling up pre- or post-concert. Bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award 2025 Winners Art Market We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's no better place to enjoy it than Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local, ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off. But it's not just breakfast here: this place is licensed so you can get drinks all day as well as an all-day menu. Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, (052 917 1523). Bua Thai Café Credit: Bua Thai Café Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd-pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront, and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup. We're big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden-inspired eatery is a visual delight. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158). Nuri Credit: NURI Grill & Bar Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks. Before that you'll want to get stuck into its highest quality, and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase menu which will leave the selection up to the chefs. The choice is yours. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Highly Commended Barbossa Credit: Barbossa If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of a good time then you've come to the right place at Barbossa. Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It's got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink (it's one of our favourite nightlife spots in Abu Dhabi). Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views. Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1194). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Shortlisted Bushra by Buddha-Bar We've mentioned The Trilogy already, and Bushra by Buddha-Bar is yet another must-visit restaurant near Etihad Arena. Bushra has an exciting Middle Eastern menu and dishes are well-crafted and delicious. Dive straight into the mezze – the muhamarra is a standout – before making your way through the grills and creative desserts. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1195). Daikan Izakaya Another eatery serving up delicious Asian dishes on Yas Island is Daikan. You'll find Abu Dhabi's first branch of the Dubai favourite on the pier at Yas Bay, but unlike the Dubai OG, in Abu Dhabi, Daikan takes the form of an izakaya (including drinks licence), expanding on its menu to include a wider variety of dishes. It's still small in scope, but a touch more varied, featuring a handful of starters and salads; small plates including gyoza, avocado steak and a katsu chili bao; sushi and sashimi; different kinds of ramen, and a charcoal grill. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Bay (022 358 680). EL&N London If you're on the hunt for the pinkest desserts in town, look no further than EL&N London at Yas Bay Waterfront (you literally can't miss it). This ultra-pink, Instagram-worthy spot is perfect for those who love all things bright and bubbly. EL&N's space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, a big dessert menu, and more pink than you can imagine. From indulgent French toast for breakfast to a hearty s'mores cookie pan or the Dutch baby pancake – and of course, the colourful drinks like the blue sapphire iced latte. Unlicensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (02 883 9395). Hanar Brought to us by the same team behind the well-loved Daikan, this Mesopotamian-meets-Anatolian spot is so undeniably cosy and comfy, that you'll find yourself wanting to spend all afternoon or evening there. For mains, you can't miss the lamb neck. Served with a touch of theatre as the chefs deconstruct it right at your table, revealing tender morsels of meat from the bone, it's well-seasoned and generous enough for two to share. In the mood for something smaller? The lamb chops deliver on flavour. When dessert rolls around, expect something a little different: a deconstructed baklava cream cheese. It's a unique twist on the classic, balancing all the sweetness with a whole lot of texture. Plus, it couldn't be closer to Etihad Arena unless it was inside the actual venue. Licensed. Yas Bay. (02 639 0017). Hunter & Barrel Credit: Hunter & Barrel With its elegant façade, carnivorous menu and epic location set directly against the twinkling water of the marina, Hunter & Barrel has carved out a reputation as one of Abu Dhabi's top steak restaurants. Originally hailing from Dubai, this Australian steakhouse has a focus on sharing, with signature grills and meat cuts served on communal boards, so make sure you order a bunch of stuff to share. Its burgers are also some of the best in the business if you're looking to shake things up a bit. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (02 886 8299). McCafferty's Super popular since it opened in 2023, McCafferty's is a crowd favourite any day of the week. The pub has 10 different hops and apple-based beverages on tap, but you can also order bottled hops, alongside grapes by the glass or bottle and short measures. On the food front, you can expect all your pub favourites, such as chicken wings, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, (058 598 3623). Neighborhood Café & Bar A super laid-back spot to refuel in between adventures on Yas Island, Neighborhood serves up good vibes all day long. Expect hearty breakfasts, unrestrained desserts, and everything in between – think comfort food with a creative twist, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're after a quick coffee, a long lunch, or a cheeky drink with friends, this stylish licensed café nails the mix of chill and charm. Bonus: it's got that artsy Yas energy too. Licensed. Yas Creative Hub. (02 585 8065). Osmo Lounge & Bar Credit: Osmo Lounge & Bar Yas Island may be best known for its impressive array of adrenaline-fuelled activities, but if you're after something a little more relaxing, head to the Hilton Abu Dhabi's Osmo Lounge & Bar. From a popular afternoon tea to Bubbles & Beats on Fridays when you can pick from a selection of delicious bar bites, it's a great spot if you want a bit of luxury before heading to your show or gig. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @osmolounge (02 208 6900). Paradiso Shortlisted in our Best Italian category, Paradiso does not only serve up delicious Italian fare but also pretty spectacular views over Yas Bay. Do try chef Nicole's famous linguine and the frosted lemon Paradiso – the refreshing burst of citrus goes down just as smoothly as a shot of Italian lemon short drink and does a splendid job of leaving you refreshed on a hot day. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Zeera by Buddha-Bar As to be expected from the Buddha Bar brand, the recipes and preparations at this contemporary restaurant have a unique twist, while there are occasional hints of more traditional influences too. Home to perhaps the most picturesque setting of all Indian restaurants in the city, it sits pretty on Yas Bay Waterfront and serves up stunning sunsets alongside sharing-style plates, biryanis and traditional tandoori grills to name a few. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1193). You might also like… Abu Dhabi's Best Restaurants: All the places you should try at least once All the top places in one read Dance the night away: the best bars and nightclubs in Abu Dhabi to bust a move Ready to party? The 43 best Abu Dhabi ladies' nights you need to know about Enjoy a night out for less at these brilliant bars and restaurants
Time Out Abu Dhabi
13 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the best restaurants on Yas Island
Looking for the best restaurants in Yas Island? We got you. Home of Etihad Arena, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Bay Waterfront, there's a lot happening in this corner of the capital. Whether you live close by, are visiting for the day or evening or attending a big event, Yas Island has lots of great places to eat and drink. We've made finding the best restaurants here just that little bit easier (we can't have you going hungry), rounding up the best restaurants on Yas Island. Each of these eateries was either a winner, highly commended or shortlisted for our Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025, so you can be sure these really are the best of the best restaurants on Yas Island. Now, let's get eating! Best restaurants on Yas Island Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award 2025 Winners Art Market We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's no better place to enjoy it than Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local, ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off. Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, (052 917 1523). Bua Thai Café Credit: Bua Thai Café Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd-pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront, and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup. We're big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden-inspired eatery is a visual delight. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158). Mika Credit: Mika Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine at this breezy Yas Marina hotspot, which has perhaps our favourite terrace on the island. Casual yet contemporary with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, the food here aims to please with the likes of cod croquettes, pan-fried prawns, lamb and tuna tacos, octopus and calamari. Head chef Mario Loi is also passionate about sustainability – he grows herbs and vegetables for his dishes in the chef's garden next to the main restaurant – which is also evident in his zero-waste policy. Licensed. Yas Marina, Yas Island (056 433 1422). Nuri Credit: NURI Grill & Bar Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks. Before that you'll want to get stuck into its highest quality, and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase menu which will leave the selection up to the chefs. The choice is yours. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Highly Commended Barbossa Credit: Barbossa If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of heaven then you've come to the right place at Barbossa. Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It's got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Crafty Fox There are many reasons to raise a glass to Crafty Fox. Not only does this Dubai import boast a bespoke beverage menu with plenty of new and old-world grape labels, draft hops and signature mixed drinks, but you can also tuck into Irish comfort food at its finest, with classics like the cottage pie, fish and chips and loaded flatbreads all gracing the menu. And did we mention those amazing 360-degree views of the putting green? With plenty of big screens, it's also a great place to watch the footie, which begs the question – is there anything this place can't do? Licensed. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, @ (02 404 3081). Garage Abu Dhabi's premier party brunch, put on your swishiest dress and head over to the W Abu Dhabi for its award-winning B.I.G Brunch at Garage, which is all about stylish patrons, free-flowing drinks and incredible tunes. Oh, and of course, there's some food thrown in for good measure, with five culinary hubs serving food from around the world, including a mezze spread, exciting Asian flavours, and premium meat cuts from the Vault. This is a brunch that's also about the vibes though, so expect DJs pumping out all your favourite tunes. This weekend is all about F1 though so unless you have a reservation, you'll have to bookmark for another time. Licensed. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, (02 656 0000). Maxzi The Good Food Shop If you only order one thing at Maxzi The Good Food Shop, make sure it's the bona fide, utterly brilliant maxzimum meat lover burger with a Wagyu patty, slow-cooked brisket, and crispy beef bacon. While it might not be solely a burger joint, this place does some of the best in the business, with an assortment of starchy sides that make for the perfect complement. What more could you ask for? Unlicensed. Yas Mall, (056 996 6540). Mr Kim Credit: Mr Kim The perfect spot to grab something delicious before a show at Etihad Arena or after an action-packed day at Yas Island's many theme parks, Mr Kim is Yas Mall's first fully licensed restaurant, so it's already off to a great start. This very cool Korean restaurant, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Juma Al Bawardi Alfalasi, brings innovative foodie fusions to a fun, industrial-chic setting. Specialising in steak, it's a bit of a no-brainer why this is such a popular dining spot with its selection of fine Wagyu cuts – from the impeccable Japanese A5, Australian MB9+ to the robust USDA prime. Licensed. Yas Mall, @ (052 443 9314). Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views. Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1194). Soraya From the creators of London's top dining spots like Pachamama comes Soraya, a Persian-inspired restaurant that's located at Yas Mall. Here, you can try incredible high-end Persian dishes like juicy skewers of marinated meats and vegetables that'll whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Tehran. Soraya's all-day menu is made for communal feasting, so head down with the whole gang and enjoy dishes that blend traditional home-cooked flavours with an undeniably cool modern twist. Mall Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, (056 509 0504). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 – Shortlisted Acres Grill House, Yas Acres Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant, Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Boo Burger, Yas Mall Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront Daikan Izakaya, Yas Bay Waterfront EL&N London, Yas Bay Waterfront Hanar, Yas Bay Waterfront Hunter & Barrel, Yas Bay Waterfront Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill, Yas Mall McCafferty's, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Neighborhood Café and Bar, Yas Creative Hub Osmo Lounge & Bar, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Pappas Taverna, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Paradiso, Yas Bay Waterfront Rangoli, Yas Island Rotana Reach, Yas Island SLRP Ramen, Yas Mall Zeera by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront You might also like… The Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist revealed – in full All the top places in one read Inside the Time Out Abu Dhabi review process Everything you need to know Everything you need to know about the best restaurants in the city Prepare to be hungry
