NEW ORLEANS – Condor Airlines officially began seasonal, nonstop flights from New Orleans to Frankfurt, Germany, yesterday, May 3. This route is the second European service to launch from New Orleans in 2017, returning trans-Atlantic service to the Gulf South region for the first time in more than three decades. Twice-weekly flights for the 2017 season will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays from May 3, through Oct. 4, from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). With numerous partner airlines, Condor offers flights beyond Frankfurt to over 120 destinations across Europe at very competitive prices.
“I’m thrilled to have yet another nonstop trans-Atlantic flight come to New Orleans,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Nonstop flights to Frankfurt open a gateway to new international markets that will create jobs and new opportunities. In advance of our city’s tricentennial in 2018, New Orleans is poised for big things as we welcome more travelers from around the world to our world-class city.”
Condor will operate a Boeing 767-300ER with 259 seats in business, premium and economy classes of service on this long-haul flight. All Condor passengers receive complimentary checked baggage, beverages, meals and in-flight entertainment. Condor’s Business Class features reclining seats, a personal in-seat, premium touch-screen entertainment system, power and USB ports at every seat and gourmet, five-course meals with complimentary wine, beer and cocktails. Business Class passengers also have access to priority check-in and business class lounges at most airports. Premium Class features seats with added legroom, leg rests and adjustable headrests, a premium in-flight, in-seat entertainment system with an extended program, USB ports at every seat, premium meals and complimentary beverages.
“This is an exciting time for Condor as we continue to expand our route network in the important transatlantic market,” said Jens Boyd, director Long Haul & Revenue Management Condor. “We are pleased to bring Condor’s award-winning, three-class service at attractive prices to New Orleans and the Gulf-South Region. Furthermore, New Orleans, as the birthplace of Jazz, is a very attractive destination for European tourists. We are looking forward to bringing our European guests to this magical city. The demand for flights to the USA is increasing and we are really excited about this year’s new destinations New Orleans, San Diego and Pittsburgh, increasing our US destinations to a total of 11 cities.“
Wednesday flights will depart Frankfurt at 2:05 p.m. and arrive in New Orleans same day at 6:10 p.m., and depart New Orleans at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and arrive in Frankfurt at 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays. Flights on Sundays will depart Frankfurt at 5:30 p.m. and arrive in New Orleans same day at 9:35 p.m., and depart New Orleans at 11:45 p.m. on Sundays and arrive in Frankfurt at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays. Condor passengers can earn and redeem miles in the Star Alliance Miles and More frequent flyer program and Alaska Airlines’ MileagePlan. One-way fares start as low as $329.
Mark Reis, interim Director of Aviation, said, “Condor provides a unique service that gives people the ability to travel nonstop to Germany and connecting cities. This is our second European destination to a market that was among our top un-served international destinations. We are excited to help make travel easier with nonstop flights to places people are already going from New Orleans.”
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, said, “Louisiana is a destination international visitors want to travel to as evidenced by the 36 percent increase in international visitation to our state in 2015. Germany makes up nearly 10 percent of all international visitors to Louisiana. With the addition of this direct, seasonal Condor flight from Frankfurt, we expect to see that number increase as travel to our great state becomes easier for our international friends.”
Cheryl Teamer, New Orleans Aviation Board chairwoman, said, “New Orleans is more connected than ever. With this new international flight to Frankfurt, Germany, we continue to expand access to New Orleans for people throughout the world. We are thrilled to welcome Condor and this new service to Armstrong International.”
District D Councilmember Jared Brossett, chair of the Transportation and Airport Committee, said, “It is a very exciting time at MSY with so much growth in international service in recent years. We are very pleased to welcome Condor to New Orleans.”
Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO, Inc., said, “Condor’s decision to begin direct service to Frankfurt, the fourth busiest airport in Europe, is of tremendous significance to Greater New Orleans. Our region will benefit from increased business, tourism and convention traffic, and is now better connected to Europe than in four decades. GNO, Inc. is delighted to welcome Condor, and looks forward to continuing to partner to ensure the flight is a success."
Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, said “The launch of the new Condor Airlines’ flights further enhances New Orleans’ continued effort to attract international travelers from Germany and the more than 120 connecting destinations across Europe. We look forward to sharing New Orleans’ authentic culture and unique traditions with new travelers from around the world.”
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