It's been a full year since Air France launched its game-changing route directly connecting Phoenix with Paris. On May 23, 2024, a bridge was built between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Charles de Gaulle International Airport. In celebration of this milestone, passengers on the anniversary flight were treated to decorative festivities, promotional gifts, and the quintessential French delicacy—macarons.
As per the original announcement on the City of Phoenix website, the Phoenix to Paris service was recently awarded the title of “Sexiest New Long-haul Route” by the consumer air travel blog Cranky Flier. Cranky Flier President, Brett Snyder, explained that the award was given because it "connects the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with the glamour of Paris."
Industry response has been overwhelmingly positive. Christine Mackay, Director of City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development, told the City of Phoenix, "I have never heard such buzz from our business community about a new route." The ballooning demand for this connection led to a shift from the original Boeing 787 9 Dreamliner, with 279 seats, to the larger Airbus 350-900, which boasts a bigger business class and a total of 324 seats.
Highlighting the economic implications of this air route, the Arizona Office of Tourism's Interim Director, Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, told the City of Phoenix, "International travelers stay longer and spend more so this service has had a huge positive impact on the tourism industry in Arizona." With the uptick to five-times weekly service and larger aircraft seating capacity deployed since May, the route's annual economic impact estimate has soared from $70 million to a robust $103 million statewide.
A clear testament to the route's success is the near doubling of capacity since its inception nearly a year ago. City of Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky shared his gratitude for Air France's dedication to growing this route, stating, "The airline has been a fantastic addition to our airport, and we are grateful for their partnership and commitment to growing this route." For those planning to explore French streets or Arizona's desert vistas, the summer service schedule has flights leaving Paris at 10:45 a.m., touching down in Phoenix at 12:50 p.m., and departing from Phoenix at 3:05 p.m., with a Parisian arrival set for the following morning at 10:10 a.m.
With Phoenix international flights injecting more than $3 billion into the local economy yearly, the partnership with Air France underscores Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport's significant role in the region's economy. Known as America’s Friendliest Airport®, PHX Sky Harbor sees an influx of roughly 1,000 aircraft and over 130,000 passengers daily, contributing to its $44 billion annual economic impact, operating solely on airport revenue, without the support from tax dollars.
