The official inauguration of Air Côte d'Ivoire's Abidjan-Paris flight took place on 15 October. The following day, a ceremony was organised in Paris for the return flight, a celebration under the banner of "Ivorian elegance", and to mark the occasion the airline is offering - until 15 November - the possibility of travelling with 3 pieces of baggage weighing 23 kg in premium economy and economy classes.
This is a crucial milestone for the airline, which has been waiting for it since the acquisition of its Airbus A 330 Neo - not to say since its creation in 2012. And even beyond that, according to Laurent Loukou, CEO of Air Côte d'Ivoire: " Behind this flight lie more than twenty years of frustration and questioning, to which we humbly wish to provide an answer. Why, since the demise of Air Afrique in 2002, has West and Central Africa never managed to have a national airline, or even one based in the region, capable of serving intercontinental routes in general, and Europe in particular? Why have more than forty attempts, in more than 25 countries, been unsuccessful? "asks the company boss.
Laurent Loukou concludes: " Admittedly, we will face challenges in this new adventure. But above all, this flight is a promise: to bring West and Central Africa closer to the rest of the world, to open up the region to new opportunities, and to create lasting links. There are roads that unite, and others that elevate. Those in the sky do both ".
Air Côte d'Ivoire now offers six flights a week between Paris and Abidjan. The Ivorian carrier already intends to move rapidly to a daily frequency before the end of the year. A major argument in favour of retaining business travellers. As is the configuration chosen by the Ivorian airline. The Airbus A 330 Neo offers four classes: First Class with 4 seats, Business Class (44), Premium Class (21) and Economy Class (173). Paris marks the arrival of Air Côte d'Ivoire on the long-haul route. Other destinations in Europe and the Middle East are expected to be announced shortly.
