Chennai: Air France Airlines launched direct flight services between Paris and Chennai.
The inaugural flight, a 276-seater three-class configured Boeing 787-9, touched down at the Anna International airport here Sunday, sporting the Indian and French flags.
The crew members of the flight were accorded a traditional reception and were presentd garlands and bouquets.
The return flight and the first flight from Chennai to Paris left at 1.20 am today, sources said.
Chennai will be Air France’s four Indian destination. Till date, passengers from Chennai have to take a connecting flight in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru to reach Paris.
Initially, Air France will operate the flight once in a week in view of the restrictions imposed by the Indian government due to Covid pandemic-induced lockdown.
Sources said from 8 July onwards the flight will arrive from Paris on Thursdays and depart on Saturdays.
Once the Indian government restores international flight services, Air France would be operating three flights a week.