PARIS – After an absence of two decades, Air France has officially resumed its direct flight service between Paris and Manila, marking a significant milestone for the French carrier.
Flight AF802 took off from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on December 8, 2024, at 11:48 PM local time and is set to land at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) at 6:53 PM local time, after a flight duration of approximately 13 hours.
The return of the Paris-Manila route has been highly anticipated, as it reconnects two major global cities and promises to boost both tourism and business travel between Europe and the Philippines.
Air France announced in September 2024 that it would operate direct flights three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
State-of-the-Art Aircraft
Air France will operate the route using its Airbus A350-900, a modern and environmentally efficient aircraft. The A350 offers a total of 324 seats, including 34 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy Class seats.
This inaugural flight is being operated by one of the newest A350 aircraft in the fleet, registered F-HTYJ, which is only 3.6 years old.
Powered by Rolls Royce engines, the A350 offers enhanced fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, making it a suitable choice for long-haul flights like this one.
Flight Schedule
The Paris to Manila route follows a regular schedule. Flight AF208 departs from CDG at 11:20 PM, with an arrival at MNL at 7:30 PM local time the following day.
For the return journey, Flight AF209 leaves Manila at 9:50 PM, landing in Paris at 5:50 AM the next morning.
Air France’s partner carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also operates four weekly flights to Manila from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), further expanding travel options between Europe and the Philippines.
Manila and the Philippines: A Destination for Business and Leisure
Manila, often called the “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers coexist with historical landmarks such as Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church.
The city, known for its rich cultural diversity, has become a hub for business and tourism in Southeast Asia.
The Philippines, with its more than 7,000 islands, offers a wide range of attractions, from its stunning white-sand beaches in Boracay and Palawan to the majestic rice terraces of Banaue.
With this new direct flight, Air France aims to enhance the connection between Europe and the Philippines, facilitating increased tourism and providing more opportunities for business partnerships between the two regions.
Fostering Economic Ties
The resumption of direct flights by Air France is expected to foster stronger economic and cultural ties between France and the Philippines.
The new route will not only make travel more convenient for European tourists and businesspeople but also open up new opportunities for Filipino travelers heading to Paris and beyond.
The service will further support the growing tourism and business sectors in both countries, which have been on the rise in recent years.
Air France’s commitment to offering a seamless and efficient travel experience, combined with the strategic importance of Manila as a key gateway to Southeast Asia, makes this flight a significant addition to the airline’s long-haul network.
This revived connection represents a new chapter in the relationship between France and the Philippines, promising a future of greater connectivity, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration.
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