Delta announced they would be launching new non-stop service between Raleigh-Durham and Paris Charles de Gaulle starting next summer onboard one of their Boeing 757-200ER aircraft. The service will commence on May 12, 2016.

Per Delta, the airline 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, Sept. 26, 2015. 

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

“The Research Triangle is an important market for Delta, and our new Paris flight is the latest in a series of Delta investments in the region, both at the airport and in the community,” said Bob Somers, Delta’s Vice President – Global Sales. “For business or leisure, we look forward to serving our customers across the Atlantic as we strengthen our relationship with the region, and the region’s ties 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.

Bottom Line

It’s very interesting that Delta is adding new international service from Raleigh-Durham, and I hope that this does well for Delta, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this route is only around for a few months. It will be interesting to see how long this service will last.