In 1948, Max Hymans, secretary-general of civil aviation was appointed head of Air France. He would have a great impact on the airline's history. Gifted with excellent business sense, he forged a number of alliances and strengthened the airline's long-haul activities. Paris-New York became the jewel in the airline's crown, a route that benefited from the most modern aircraft of the time.
Max Hymans did not hesitate to oppose the government's desire to buy French-built aircraft, instead preferring Douglas DC-4s and the Lockheed Constellation range.
It was the golden age of propeller-driven aviation. Douglas, Viscount and Lockheed Constellation renewed the fleet. In the mid 1950s, it also operated the Vickers Viscount turboprop, with 12 entering service between May 1953 and August 1954 on the European routes.
The significant investment in aircraft saw less powerful models relegated to smaller routes, allowing a structured network to be built around the Orly hub.
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