Air France launches flight between Paris and Marrakech

Rabat, March 27 (IANS/MAP) Air France has launched a new direct flight from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport to Morocco's Marrakech-Menara Airport.

Air France would operate Paris' Charles de Gaulle-Marrakech flight every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on Airbus A320 with a capacity of 174 seats. It is equipped with the latest medium-haul travel cabins, the airline said.

A ceremony was organised on Sunday at the Marrakech-Menara Airport to inaugurate the first flight.

Speaking on this occasion, Air France's Managing Director for Africa, Franck Legre said that the new flight to Marrakech will contribute to promoting tourism in the city.

It will also allow local tourism operators to explore new markets, where the French flag carrier has a strong presence, such as Asian countries and Russia.

For the summer season, Legre added, Air France customers can fly to Morocco from Paris with up to 54 weekly flights.

In a statement to MAP, Chief Executive of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) Abderrafie Zouiten commended the initiative, which is part of the OMNT's aim to promote the tourism sector and explore new markets, including Asian countries and Russia.

He added that the new route will help attract more tourists to Marrakech.

--IANS

soni/vt