Anticipation Grows For Indy-to-Paris Flight
The chief economic development officer for the Indy Chamber says excitement for Indiana’s first transatlantic nonstop flight is building on both sides of the pond. Maureen Donohue Krauss says the Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) flight from Indianapolis International Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, set to begin May 24, is resonating with businesses in Indiana and throughout Europe. She says having a direct connection and quicker access to the Indy market is drawing great interest.
Speaking to Inside INdiana Business from an economic development trip in France, Krauss said the focus right now is on sustaining and growing the Paris flight. "I think it’s really important that we get the Indy-Paris flight going and get it populated and expand it to daily. That would be the first goal. I believe that once people are aware it’s there and as we continue to increase connections of our businesses in both locations, the demand will increase."
Krauss says, in the long-term, officials need to continue to look at the demand studies in other markets to see which other destinations would be most feasible. She says the Indy Airport has continually looked at those studies and the chamber will continue to assist them in that effort. "We’ll continue to do that and monitor what the needs of businesses are, not just on our side of the pond but also what the demands are of companies from Europe and other parts of the world in getting to our market."
Krauss adds it is a bit too premature to say precisely which destinations may be targeted for a nonstop flight, though Japan and the United Kingdom could be in the mix. She and other officials from the Indy Chamber visited the UK last week and the delegation has received a warm reception from officials both there and in France because the type of industry and talent in Indiana resonates with businesses abroad.
Delta and Indianapolis International Airport announced plans for the Indy-Paris flight in September. The first plane will take off May 24 and the service will be scheduled for at least three times per week, eventually growing to daily service during the peak summer months.
Krauss says the focus right now is on sustaining and growing the Paris flight.