Key Takeaways
- Air France announced new routes, increased frequencies, and resumed services to the US and Canada for the upcoming winter season.
- Launch of a direct service from Paris CDG to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, providing three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
- Increased frequencies on various transatlantic routes, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft for improved passenger comfort.
- Resumption of winter service between Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and Montreal, featuring two weekly flights aboard Airbus A320 aircraft.
Air France is gearing up for a busy winter across the Atlantic, announcing new routes, increased frequencies, and resumed services to the US and Canada.
New Non-Stop Service to Raleigh-Durham
Starting on October 30, Air France will launch a new direct service from its hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina. The service, which Delta Air Lines previously operated, will be flown three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
According to SeatGuru, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a state-of-the-art aircraft with 30 lie-flat seats in business class, 21 in premium economy class, and 225 in economy class. The aircraft offers enhanced comfort, reduced noise, and lower fuel consumption.
More Flights to Key Destinations
According to a story published by Business Travel News Europe, Air France will also boost its existing services to several transatlantic destinations and the new route. The airline will increase its flight frequencies on the winter route connecting Paris CDG to Dallas/Fort Worth International four to five times weekly. This route is also operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The story noted that the recently launched Paris CDG-Ottawa route, which started on June 27, will continue into the winter schedule, maintaining its frequency of five flights per week. This route is also served by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Air France is the only airline that offers non-stop flights from Europe to Canada’s capital city.
Air France will also add more flights to Montreal and Vancouver from Paris CDG. The frequencies will increase to 21 and five weekly flights, respectively, compared to 17 and three weekly flights in the previous winter.
Resumption of Service to Montreal from Guadeloupe
Another notable development is the resumption of Air France’s winter service between Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and Montreal, starting from December 2. This route will feature two weekly flights aboard Airbus A320 aircraft.
The outlet stated that with these enhancements, Air France plans to operate 212 weekly flights to 21 destinations across the US, Canada, and Mexico in the 2023-2024 winter season.
What We Think
Air France’s strategic expansion and increased flight frequencies demonstrate their commitment to enhancing connectivity across North America. The addition of new routes and increased services not only facilitates travel but also signifies confidence in post-pandemic air travel demand.
By resuming services and introducing direct routes, Air France is catering to diverse traveler needs, potentially boosting tourism and business connections between Europe, the US, and Canada. This expansion aligns with the evolving travel landscape and signals a positive step towards revitalizing international travel networks.
