In 1913, the Astra CM Hydro-avion three-seat floatplane version was used to make the world's first scheduled passenger-carrying flights.

It was constructed primarily as wooden framework sections, covered in canvas and wire-braced.

[4] at least two were built and an order for two from the Royal Navy (RN), serialled 106 and 107, was not completed.

[5] During the St. Malo races, 14-26 August 1912, the first CM Hydro was flown to first place by Labouret.

The second CM Hydro, powered by a horizontally mounted 82 kW (110 hp) Salmson M.9 water-cooled radial engine, flew at Monaco but crashed.