'The profits thus earned will be used to fund three humanitarian projects supported by the Air France Corporate Foundation, in India, South Africa and France,' the statement added.

In India, the project, 'Association Plan France-India', will benefit 500 child workers, specifically help children working in dhabas (small tea bars) and street ragpickers, the airline said.

'The first Air France Airbus A380 flight should not simply symbolise a technological achievement at the service of our customers, but also an operation in support of those in distress,' said Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, chief executive of Air France.