Indiana governor Eric Holcomb joined executives from Delta Air Lines earlier to announce a new non-stop air service from Indianapolis International Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

“Indiana’s pro-business reputation continues to grow and spread around the globe, and that’s why securing a direct transatlantic flight is so important,” Holcomb said.

“This flight is a big win for our state’s business community and for Hoosier travellers.

“I cannot wait to see that first Delta flight take off for Europe in just a few short months.”

The flights, which will begin May 24th, 2018, will connect Indiana and Europe year-round with service scheduled at least three times per week.

Operating on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, the route’s frequency will increase during the spring, summer and fall months, reaching daily service throughout the peak summer season.

With the new service from Delta, in cooperation with its joint venture partner Air France/KLM, Indiana passengers and global businesses will have access to more than 100 destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India, including 23 of the top 25 transatlantic markets, via one-stop connections at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

According to air service traffic, 310 people travel from Indianapolis to transatlantic destinations daily.

By attracting Indiana’s first year-round transatlantic flight, the Indianapolis Airport Authority estimates that this new air service could have a $50 million annual impact on Indiana’s economy. 

“Indiana and the Indianapolis metropolitan area has long been an important part of our route network and we are honoured that Delta will be the first US carrier to take Indiana non-stop to Europe,” said Bob Cortelyou, senior vice president, network planning, Delta.

The availability of non-stop air service is generally considered imperative for businesses when selecting headquarters and growth locations, supporting both international businesses with operations in Indiana and Indiana-based businesses which do business around the world.

Indiana is home to more than 800 foreign-owned businesses, which employ 190,900 Hoosiers