Delta to connect Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) to Paris

RALEIGH – Delta will connect the Research Triangle to the world with nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport beginning May 12, 2016. The flights will be available for sale beginning Saturday.

The flight will operate in conjunction with the airline’s European joint venture partners Air France, KLM and Alitalia using 164-seat, Boeing 757-200ER aircraft.

From Delta’s joint venture hub in Paris, customers can connect to more than 75 onward destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, increasing global access for a region with strong international ties through its world-class universities and global companies. The daily flight will be Delta’s 13th destination from Paris and the only nonstop link between the two cities.

“RDU and Delta Air Lines have been business partners for more than 40 years. During this time, Delta has increased its presence at RDU to meet the demand of our region, which it does today with nonstop service to 20 cities,” said Mike Landguth, CEO and President of RDU Airport Authority. “Today, we celebrate Delta’s latest expansion in our market with nonstop service to Paris’ Charles-DeGaulle International Airport. We thank Delta for its continued investment in our community and for connecting our region to the world.”

“Air service development, particularly international service, is a key element in the competitiveness and growth of the Research Triangle Park. Global collaboration and face-to-face communication supports research and opens economic development doors worldwide for the Park, our region and the state,” said Bob Geolas, CEO and President of the Research Triangle Foundation. “The future of the RTP is intertwined with RDU. Together we will ensure that those who enter our port of entry to do business in our region have a world-class experience second to none.”

Delta is the largest airline at Raleigh-Durham International Airport with more than 60 daily departures, and the new flight is just one component of Delta’s recent investments in the region.

The Delta Sky Club at RDU now offers enhanced food options, premium drink offerings, Starbucks coffee and an automated, self-service espresso machine. In August, Delta launched an alliance with Duke University to embed the airline and its employees in campus and alumni events, academics and career recruiting and counseling, all in an effort to become a lifelong travel partner to future customers. Delta also enjoys an existing marketing agreement with University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

posted Sep. 24, 2015