Highlights
- Air France increased Phoenix-Paris nonstop service from three to five weekly flights beginning May 5, 2025.
- The carrier swapped Boeing 787-9 aircraft for the larger Airbus A350-900, which seats 324 versus 279.
- The route logged average load factors of 78.8% in its first nine months, peaking at 86.15% in October 2024.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor estimates the nonstop Paris route generates $103 million in annual statewide economic impact for Arizona.
Air France added two weekly departures on its Phoenix-Paris nonstop and swapped in a larger jet, a move that puts more transatlantic capacity through Sky Harbor than at any point since the route launched.
The carrier began operating five weekly flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle on May 5, 2025, up from three weekly flights, according to Simple Flying. The aircraft upgrade from the Boeing 787-9, which seats 279 passengers, to the Airbus A350-900, which seats 324, means each departure now carries roughly 45 additional seats.
Air France launched the Phoenix-Paris nonstop on May 23, 2024, initially using Boeing 787-9 equipment. The route posted average load factors of 78.8% between May 2024 and January 2025, with an October 2024 peak of 86.15%, per Simple Flying. Cranky Flier named the Phoenix-Paris pairing its Sexiest New Long-Haul Route at its February 2025 network awards.
What does the expanded service mean for Arizona economically?
Phoenix Sky Harbor estimates the nonstop Paris route generates $103 million in annual statewide economic impact for Arizona, according to azfamily.com. The frequency increase and larger aircraft both expand that figure's potential, though Sky Harbor has not issued a revised projection tied to the May 5 schedule change.
The expanded schedule is already in effect.
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- simpleflying.com retrieved 09/05/2026 14:43
- AZ Family (3TV/CBS5) retrieved 09/05/2026 14:43
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 09/05/2026 14:43. Every claim traces to a source.
