Summary
- Air France’s new service between Paris and Phoenix exceeded expectations with its first flights at near capacity.
- The flights are expected to boost tourism and business in Arizona.
- Officials are anticipating the new flight will bolster the state’s economy by $30 million.
Air France celebrated the launch of nonstop service from its hub at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) earlier this week. The airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down on a sunny and warm afternoon, marking service that was undoubtedly welcomed by much fanfare.
The new flights come just two months before the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad which takes place in Paris this year. When Air France initially announced the long-haul service in January, the carrier had intended the flights would be seasonal, but it appears those plans have changed.
Third-largest unserved North American market
According to the Phoenix Business Journal, demand between Paris and Phoenix has surged since the French airline unveiled its plans to fly the route. Simple Flying previously reported that Phoenix has become Air France’s sixth new destination in North America since 2021. Additionally, the Valley of the Sun was Paris’ third-largest unserved market in North America after Orlando and Las Vegas. In return, Paris was Arizona’s largest unserved European market last year. Boaz Hulsman, Air France’s Vice President of Commercial North America, reportedly said that the inaugural flights between PHX and CDG were nearly at full capacity.
Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
On Thursday, the airline announced that it would extend the service into the winter, making it a year-round flight, the Phoenix Business Journal reported. The route is operated three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays on the 787-9, which seats 279 passengers in a three-class layout. Air France also has a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which boosts connectivity on both ends.
Codeshare connections
At PHX, passengers can seamlessly connect to Delta’s eight destinations it serves: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). At CDG, travelers can continue on to Air France’s vast domestic and international network, or connect with flights operated by KLM.
Check It Out
Delta Air Lines Adds More Flights Between Cincinnati & Paris Ahead Of The Olympics
The increase more than doubles the amount of flights the carrier will operate on the route.
While there is no question that Paris will see heightened demand due to the Olympic Games, Air France and City of Phoenix officials expect it to remain high thereafter. Several government and city leaders were onboard the first flights between CDG and PHX, including Chris Mackay, the director of Phoenix’s community and economic development, Lisa Urias, the director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, and Kevin Robinson, Phoenix City Council member.
$30 million generated
The nonstop flight is anticipated to boost tourism and other business ventures throughout Arizona. There is also a significant French presence in Phoenix. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, around 80 French companies ranging from the transportation to the semiconductor industry do business in the city, employing about 3,500 people. The City of Phoenix reportedly estimates the new nonstop flight will generate $30 million for the state’s economy.
Photo: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Air France’s new service to Phoenix began the same week that Germany-based Condor Airlines resumed its seasonal nonstop service between Frankfurt and PHX with the newest aircraft in its fleet – the Airbus A330-900neo. British Airways has long operated year-round flights from PHX to London.
Read Next
Top 5: These Are American Airlines’ Longest International Routes From Phoenix
Four of the routes journey to Mexico.