AIR FRANCE INAUGURATES MANILA-PARIS FLIGHTS AFTER 20 YEARS HIATUS

After 20-years hiatus, Air France has revived its service connecting Paris and Manila, marking the European nation's bilateral ties with the Asean country (Photo courtesy of NAIA/Facebook)

French carrier Air France has resumed its direct flights connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after two decades of absence. This marks the airline’s return to the Philippine capital as part of its growing Asian network.

The airline will now operate three direct flights weekly offering 34 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy seats.

• Flight AF209 (Manila to Paris): Departs NAIA Terminal 3 at 9:50 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, arriving at Charles de Gaulle at 5:50 a.m. the next day.

• Flight AF208 (Paris to Manila): Departs Charles de Gaulle at 11:20 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, arriving at NAIA Terminal 3 at 7:30 p.m. the next day.

According to French Ambassador Fontanel, the resumption of the route was requested by travelers, as she assured that the Embassy can handle the anticipated increase in visa applications.

“Having this direct flight is a request, a Christmas wish for many Filipinos and French partners. Probably there will be an increase in visa applications so we will work a lot. The capacity of issuing visas will be the center of our work, we have to make this direct flight a success,” she said. 

The new route is expected to enhance tourism and business travel between Europe and the Philippines, fostering stronger economic ties and cultural exchange. Air France anticipates stimulating the Paris-Manila segment by at least 30%, wWith the potential for substantial belly cargo revenue.

The new route is strategically positioned to capture market share from Gulf carriers on EU-Manila routes. This milestone underscores European nation's commitment to enhancing its diplomatic presence and bilateral ties with the Asean country.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, and New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) general manager Lito Alvarez.

Source: Daily Tribune 

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