Cork Airport and Air France today celebrated the launch of a new daily service between Cork and Paris, with the inaugural flight landing at 15:50 this afternoon.
The first official flight, which was greeted by a water cannon salute upon arrival from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), received a festive welcome at Cork Airport with the aircraft flying Irish and French colours as it taxied to the arrival gate.
Barry ter Voert, SVP Sales Europe Air France KLM, and Benedicte Duval, General Manager Air France KLM UK & Ireland, were on board alongside French media and VIPs.
“Air France KLM’s presence in the Irish market has increased hugely over the last 18 months and I am delighted to be in Cork today to celebrate the launch of our new daily operation between Cork and Paris. We recognise the importance of choice and connectivity for those living in Southern Ireland and are proud to be in a position to offer worldwide connections via our hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle," said Barry ter Voert.
"I am confident that the new route will also result in an increase in inbound tourism due to the popularity of the region with international tourists further supporting local business in the region," he added.
The route was initially announced in February as a seasonal service but due to positive forward bookings the route has been extended to a year-round service.
“Continued investment in both product and route network is a key focus for the Air France KLM group and we are proud to be launching Cork as just one of our record 74 new destinations this summer," said Mr ter Voert.
Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport's Managing Director, met the delegation and officially welcomed the carrier to the region for the first time.
“We are delighted to celebrate today the new Air France route direct from Cork Airport to Paris Charles De Gaulle. The fact that it has grown from an initial summer season only service to one that will operate year-round before it even commenced is a signal of the outstanding confidence placed in this route.
“We look forward to welcoming French visitors through Cork Airport, benefiting regional tourism, and to providing a friendly, reliant and convenient service to Irish passengers travelling to Paris and onwards on Air France’s extensive network to destinations worldwide,” said Mr MacCarthy.
He added: “Cork Airport is the second busiest and second best connected international airport in Ireland and we continually strive for ongoing route development and growth. The celebrations today with our airline partners Air France support our ongoing strategy.”
At the departure gate, outbound passengers were joined by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, and Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland CEO, for a champagne reception before the official cake cutting ceremony.
The celebrations came after operations between Cork and Paris began on Saturday, May 26 with the daily flight connecting the region to Air France’s international hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. From CDG, Irish passengers now have the opportunity to connect to Air France’s extensive network of over 180 destinations worldwide.
The daily flight is operated by Air France Hop! using Embraer 170 aircraft, carrying up to 76 passengers.
Fares start from €129 return in economy including all taxes. Flights are available to book from the Air France website at www.airfrance.ie or at Air France reservations on Ph: 01 659 0442.