RDU Airport, N.C. –The Research Triangle region is once again connected with the City of Light as Delta Flight 230 departed from RDU for Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on Thursday, May 12, making Paris the second transatlantic and the fourth nonstop international service from RDU.
Regional leaders, airport staff, passengers and guests gathered for the gate event at 4:15 p.m. Thursday where several speakers including Delta Vice President for Finance Victoria Forbes-Roberts, Airport Authority President and CEO Michael Landguth, Airport Authority Board Chairman Richard “Dickie” Thompson and Research Triangle Foundation President Robert “Bob” Geolas spoke about the benefits of the route to the region, airport and airline.
“Delta stands proud with the Triangle region as we launch the first of what is expected to be many flights across the Atlantic,” said Victoria Forbes-Roberts, Delta Air Lines vice president for pricing and revenue management. “Today’s flight is the culmination of years of local planning, and represents the latest step in Delta’s commitment to become the global carrier of choice for the region.”
“Today marks another milestone for the airport and the region as we welcome new international service, further connecting our region to the world,” said Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Landguth. “We are proud to be the only airport of our size to support two transatlantic flights and Delta’s investment in this route demonstrates the strength of our region and the health of our local economy.”
From Paris, travelers using the new route will have one-stop access to dozens of destinations in Europe, India, Africa and The Middle East via SkyTeam Alliance partners. Travelers will be able to check-in for their entire trip at RDU and enjoy a hassle-free connection in Paris.
In addition to providing a convenient gateway to many international destinations, the flight is an economic boost to our region. A 2013 study by N.C. State University Economist Dr. Michael Walden showed that daily nonstop service provides 100 jobs to our region and more than $25 million in economic impact during the first year. Those figures grow to 14,000 jobs and $1.4 billion impact after 25 years.
Delta will utilize Boeing 757-200 extended range aircraft with two class service for the daily nonstop flight. The flight departs RDU in the late afternoon and arrives in Paris the next morning, local time. The return flight departs Paris mid-morning local time and arrives on the same day mid-afternoon at RDU.
The flight is timed to provide easy, conveniently timed connections from RDU to more than 70 cities throughout Europe, India, The Middle East and Africa from Paris utilizing Sky Team airline partners such as Air France, Kenya Air, Air India and more.
In addition to Paris, passengers can fly nonstop from RDU to Cancun, London and Toronto. Learn more about the flight at rdu2paris.com.
RDU-Paris Facts
- Distance in miles: 4,052 (one way)
- Distance in time: 8 hours 12 minutes (eastbound); 9 hours 30 minutes (westbound)
- Total seat capacity: 164
- Delta One seat capacity: 15
- Economy seat capacity: 149
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