Indy to Paris Nonstop Becomes a Reality
The trip marks Holcomb's seventh economic development trip as governor.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA multi-faceted effort to secure additional nonstop international air service in the state is paying off. Governor Eric Holcomb has announced new Delta Air Lines service to Paris from Indianapolis International Airport. Holcomb says the new route is a culmination of years of work by state, city and airport officials that includes $5 million approved by the Indiana General Assembly directed at attracting transatlantic flights. Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez will be a guest this weekend on Inside INdiana Business Television.
Holcomb said "this flight is a big win for our state’s business community and for Hoosier travelers. I cannot wait to see that first Delta flight take off for Europe in just a few short months." The new flights are expected to begin May 24, and run at least three times per week. During peak summer season, officials say the route will go back-and-forth daily. More than 100 European, African, Middle Eastern and Indian destinations are available through Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Delta Senior Vice President of Network Planning Bob Cortelyou says the French flight represents the first year-round nonstop to a city in Europe from the state of Indiana. During Wednesday’s news conference, he added "Indiana and the Indianapolis metropolitan area has long been an important part of our route network." Indiana is home to over 800 foreign-owned businesses, and Paris serves as an important connection point to the rest of the world. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says the flight "elevates our already strong workforce, increasing avenues for job creation and talent retention – another sign that the sky truly is the only limit for Indianapolis."
IND, which now connects passengers to 48 nonstop destinations, has been the site of multiple air service announcements recently, including the addition of another daily nonstop to San Francisco International Airport that will launch at the end of the month. More flights have also been added to destinations including Seattle-Tacoma, Austin, Phoenix, San Diego and Las Vegas as the airport grows its domestic footprint and a seasonal Cancun International Airport flight as it looks to increase international options. A month ago, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. (Nasdaq: ALGT) detailed plans for a $40 million, two-airplane base at IND, which it says could lead to even more flights.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has offered up to $5.5 million over the next two years in conditional incentives to Delta for the flight.