The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
A thrice weekly non-stop Manila-Paris service of Air France starting December 8, 2024 will jump start the enhanced civil aviation cooperation signed recently between the Philippines and France.
Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista joined French Ambassador Marie Fontanel at a press briefing at Malacañang where Air France / KLM General Manager Kemke Kroese officially announced the direct flights – the first non-stop service from Europe to the Philippines under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Secretary Bautista said documentary requirements had to be completed as well as securing airport slot assignment before the flights could be announced.
“It’s an announcement that will make Filipinos happy because they will be able to fly non-stop from the Philippines to Paris and from Paris to the Philippines,” said the transport chief.
Ambassador Fontanel thanked the Philippine government for its support to the direct flights to Manila after an absence of 20 years.
“The direct non-stop service between the Philippines and France will probably most likely boost trade, tourism, and exchanges between our two countries and more generally, with the European Union,” Amb. Fontanel said.
An Airbus 350-900 – configured tri-class – will fly 14 hours from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to Kroese.