François Pujolas (middle) flanked by Dick van Nieuwenhuyzen (left) and Jean-Raul Tauzin (right) at the press conference
Air France is expected to begin direct flights from Accra to Paris beginning February 28 next year, the airline announced Thursday.
Jean-Raul Tauzin, General Manager of Air France/KLM for Ghana and Nigeria, officially disclosed this at a press conference presided over by François Pujolas, French Ambassador to Ghana and Dick van Nieuwenhuyzen, Air France/KLM Country Manager.
He said the three weekly flights would take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“From 28th March, 2017, AF780 leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 3:30pm and arrives at the Kotoka International Airport at 07:50pm the same day. AF731 leaves the Kotoka International Airport at 11:40pm and arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 08:00am the following day.
Air France would fly passengers from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport at 1:30pm and arrive at the Kotoka International Airport at 07:05pm the same day.
The flight then leaves Kotoka International Airport at 10:25pm and touches down at Charles de Gaulle’s Airport at 06:00am the following day.
“This event follows the visit of the French Prime Minister to Accra last weekend where he announced and welcomed the opening of this direct line in February 2017 during a reception held for the French community.
“Starting 28th February 2017, Air France will offer three weekly flights to Accra, Ghana from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. In this way, Air France is expanding on one of the most important markets on the African continent through traffic to and from Europe and North America.
On this occasion, the Ambassador of France to Ghana recalled that “this new line represents a symbol of the growing relationship with Ghana, as does the commencement of the construction of the new French Embassy in Accra in 2017”.
He said that “it is a reflection of increased exchanges between the two countries in the field of trade and investment, culture and education.”
The Ambassador added that “Ghana is very keen on developing its tourism industry, therefore this direct line shows confidence in what the country can achieve in this regard.”