City News

Air France will launch a new twice daily service between Birmingham and Lyon commencing 3rd September 2007. The route will be operated by Britair in a CRJ 50 seater aircraft.

As well as linking these two major cities there will also be the potential to connect via Lyon on to over 30 European cities on the Air France network such as Barcelona, Rome and Venice. Air France already operates 6 daily flights from Birmingham International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Christine Ourmieres, UK & Ireland General Manager, Air France stated; “We are committed to offering access to our international network from the regions and we are delighted to now be able to offer this service to Lyon as an addition to our operations from Birmingham.”

Peter Vella, Business Development Director at Birmingham International Airport commented: “The Airport is thrilled to be able to connect these 2 important cities of Birmingham and Lyon. Business passengers will benefit from this direct link, with new opportunities being available. Lyon is a beautiful city with great sights, fantastic gastro food, vinyards to visit and plenty of history and culture, plus its close proximity to the Alps means travellers can incorporate skiing into their break too.”

The flights will operate at the following times:
Departing Birmingham 11.30 & 16.40
Arriving Lyon 14.15 & 19.25
Departing Lyon 09.00 & 15.25
Arriving Birmingham 09.45 & 16.10
(Frequencies may vary at the weekend)

Lead in fares from £138.80 per person including taxes for a return flight in economy class.

Leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby said: “It’s excellent news that Birmingham has a direct route to Lyon – one of our important ‘Sister Cities’. This route will provide many opportunities for increased trade between the Midlands and Europe, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from Lyon to Birmingham and the City Region."

Customers travelling with Air France have the benefit of accruing frequent flyer miles with the Flying Blue program. For more details of how to become a member, to sign up for special offers, check in online and much more visit www.airfrance.co.uk.