PHX Reporter

PHOENIX – Air France has announced the start of new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. This marks the first time there will be nonstop service between Phoenix and France. Service on the Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft will begin May 23, 2024, and will operate three days per week for the summer season (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). Flights will leave Paris at 10:10 a.m., arriving in Phoenix at 12:10 p.m. then depart Phoenix at 2:10 p.m., arriving in Paris the next day at 9:15 a.m.

“Adding non-stop service to Paris is a major milestone that demonstrates our commitment to providing convenient and efficient travel options to and from Phoenix," said Mayor Kate Gallego. “As our city continues to grow and become a destination for booming industries, I'm confident that direct service to Paris will unlock exciting possibilities for exploration and new business opportunities."

The aircraft will have a three-class configuration, with 30 Business seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and an Economy class offering 228 seats. In total, the flights will have a capacity of 279.

During the 2024 summer season, the airline, from its Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub, will offer connecting opportunities to more than 200 destinations worldwide.

“Air France is thrilled to announce a direct link between Arizona and Paris with our newest, non-stop route coming in May," said Boaz Hulsman, Vice President of Commercial, North America at Air France-KLM. “Becoming the 22nd North American gateway for Air France next summer season, this new service symbolizes our commitment to enhancing the transatlantic travel connection. We look forward to soon providing passengers from Phoenix with an experience embodying the best of French elegance."

America's Friendliest Airport® offers nonstop service to more than 140 destinations across the United States and internationally. This new service adds to existing transatlantic service between Phoenix and London Heathrow on American Airlines and British Airways as well as nonstop service between Phoenix and Frankfurt on Condor Airlines. The new service will also allow for easy connections in the U.S. with Air France's codeshare partner Delta, and destinations in Europe and abroad with their other partner, KLM.

Phoenix international flights add more $3.4 billion to the local economy each year per the Airport's most recent economic impact study. This three times weekly nonstop seasonal service will provide a $30 million annual economic impact to the Phoenix community.

For more information on all the destinations available to travel to from Phoenix, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/flights/where-we-fly/

Quotes from Phoenix City Council

“The new air service from Phoenix to Paris is exciting, as this will provide a direct connection to do business or vacation in Phoenix. Phoenicians will also have more convenient options for travel in Europe. No doubt, this new global connection will have a positive impact on our economy."

Vice Mayor Debra Stark

 

“This partnership between Air France and Sky Harbor admits what we here in Phoenix have always known, that Phoenix is a hub for international tourism and investment. Directly connecting to our third European location is exactly the kind of commitment to growth the City of Phoenix should be making. I'm beyond thrilled to continue to open the international community to Phoenix and our community to the world!"

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, District 1

 

“The new direct flight connecting Phoenix and Paris is a remarkable opportunity to boost global accessibility to our city. This connection fosters cultural and economic ties between Arizona and the captivating city of Paris and highlights our unwavering commitment to strengthening international relationships."

Councilwoman Laura Pastor, District 4

 

“I'm elated to have Phoenix join a select group of major cities with nonstop service to France's capital city: Paris. It signals how Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport continues to be a top choice for international travel because of its efficiency, customer service and 5-star amenities.  Ahead of the 2024 Olympics and residents' summer vacation planning, I'm excited to add this iconic city to our roster of destinations."

Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari, District 7

 

“With this new direct service from Phoenix to Paris, we are showcasing our city to the world, forging stronger business and economic ties with France, and providing the kind of exemplary customer experience for which Sky Harbor is known. This new flight will also encourage future economic development with our European trading partners and showcase for airlines in markets we have yet to serve that Phoenix is the destination to choose."

Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, District 8

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America's Friendliest Airport®, has an annual economic impact of more than $38 billion. On an average day, approximately 1,200 aircraft and more than 130,000 passengers arrive at and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor every day. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.

Original source can be found here.