By Jess Paniszczyn | DFW Newsflash | April 2019
Air France launched new non-stop flights between Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, strengthening ties between North Texas and one of its biggest trading partners. Air France will operate up to five weekly flights on the Airbus A330.
“DFW Airport is growing faster than ever, and we’re pleased to welcome Air France, offering more choices for our customers to reach key European destinations,” Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport, said.
Air France announced the new service just months after DFW Airport representatives, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price took part in a trade mission to France.
“I am delighted to inaugurate this new non-stop service to Dallas-Fort Worth, Air France’s 13th destination in the US,” Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, said. “The American market is of prime importance for the Air France-KLM group, which alongside its transatlantic joint venture partners, operates more than 270 daily flights between Europe and North America.”
Air France is the national flag carrier of France and has become the 13th international passenger carrier serving DFW Airport. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance.
“The addition of this flight is a really amazing occasion for the DFW area,” John Ackerman, DFW Airport’s executive vice president of global strategy and development, said.
“More importantly, it’s great for our customers, and that’s something we focus on as a DFW team every day. We’re committed to providing world class customer service, and that’s a commitment that Air France shares. It’s a perfect partnership between DFW and Air France.
“Our customers are going to gain access, not just to Paris, but 74 destinations beyond Paris including 16 that as of yesterday would have required multiple connections for customers.
“France is also our 10th largest trading partner for the DFW area region. There more than 120 French companies that operate offices and facilities in our metro area. This is an incredibly important flight not just for tourism and people who want to go experience Paris and all that France has to offer, but also for business customers and trade.
“This flight also comes in a time of record growth for our airport. We’re going to grow faster this year for passengers than we have in the previous 15 years,” he said.
Sisters Kayla Warren and Lisa Thomas were flying on the inaugural Air France flight to Paris on the way to visit their sister, a school teacher in Dubai.
“Paris has always been one of my top three destinations,” Thomas said. “I’m super excited to be a part of the first flight over. We have a little bit of a layover, so maybe we’ll be able to step out and take in France and all it has to offer.
“This is really nice,” she said, referring to the celebration at the airport. “The t-shirts, food, and the whole thing is really super nice.
“If you get a chance to, definitely take this flight from DFW to Paris. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful experience, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Mazen Tamimi was impressed by the promise of free champagne on every Air France flight.
“You have more flights to travel to France, which is good for Dallas citizens,” Tamimi said. “My wife studied in France, and she speaks French fluently. We are going to France for fun to see the city of Paris for two weeks.
“I was surprised they are having this celebration. You can see the touch of France in the cake.
“I am very grateful for the free champagne on the flight. It should be free for every flight.”
The new non-stop service to Paris means DFW will offer 17 daily flights to nine European cities this summer.
You can view video of the announcement below:
Video by Jessica Starkey
