For more than 20 years, our region has enjoyed nonstop service to London… and we’ve loved every moment of that experience. But, we’ve waited for our second transatlantic route. Another option to the European continent and the possibilities beyond.

We waited through the late 1990s, when the region wasn’t quite large enough to support a second daily European trip. We waited through the economic aftermath following 9/11.

As our region grew in the mid 2000s and our airport was marking record numbers of passengers, we became hopeful and excited when nonstop to Paris almost became a reality in 2008.

But then the economy turned and our dreams and excitement were put on hold yet again.

Behind the scenes, the work never stopped. The conversations and data sharing with airlines never ceased. Cases were made time and time again. We, on the inside, waited for an airline that was ready to take really solid data and take a chance on RDU and invest in our region to deliver a profitable transatlantic flight.

And, in September 2015, our dreams became reality with the announcement of RDU-Paris.

Today is a day we have truly waited decades for. To say we are excited is an understatement. We are ecstatic. We are now one of very few airports of our size in the U.S. to have two daily nonstop transatlantic flights to Europe. So many possibilities, so much potential lies ahead for the Research Triangle Region.

But for now, the only thing we can say is… “Let’s go to Paris!!”

And we are doing just that! Teresa Damiano, Vice President for Communications and Community Affairs, who has led our air service recruitment efforts since the early 1990s is heading on Delta flight 230 to Paris.

Make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to see firsthand the City of Light from Teresa’s point-of-view. While there, she’ll also be meeting with Delta and state officials who are promoting the route as a gateway to the U.S. from Europe.

What’s after Paris? Time will tell. For now, we’re focused on ensuring a bright future for both of our transatlantic routes. When we do that, our next conversations with the airlines becomes a whole lot more promising for everyone.

Learn more about RDU to Paris: www.rdu2paris.com