Bonjour to new daily Air France service to Paris

Wed, 30 May, 2018 - 00:00

THE new daily Air France service between Cork and Paris has taken off.

The first official flight was greeted by a water cannon salute upon arrival from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport yesterday afternoon.

Minister of State for Tourism Brendan Griffin, Ivo Steffans, Air France, Daragh Hanratty, Head of Aviation Marketing Cork Airport and Nial Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland at the inaugural Air France Flight between Cork International Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Pic Darragh Kane

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.

Barry ter Voert, a senior vice president at Air France, said: "I am delighted to be in Cork 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.

"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.”

Susie Horgan, Springboard PR with Kathleen Walshe and Kevin Cullinane, Communications Dept. Cork Airport at the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork to celebrate the commencement of Cork/Paris daily returns flights by Air France. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Managing Director of Cork Airport, Niall MacCarthy met the delegation, officially welcoming 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.”