Getting to Germany from San Diego just got easier: Condor Airlines has launched a new nonstop service that takes travelers straight to Frankfurt.
On Monday, Condor Airlines celebrated the inauguration of its new seasonal service out of the San Diego International Airport -- a service first announced about a year ago.
The new flight is the airline’s first-ever nonstop service from San Diego to Germany and, for now, the only nonstop connection between San Diego and Continental Europe.
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The service runs through Oct. 5, offering up to three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the San Diego Airport Authority said. For instance, an outbound flight on Mondays leaves San Diego at 8:50 p.m. and arrives at Frankfurt International at 5:40 p.m. the next day. The returning flight on Mondays departs Frankfurt at 2:25 p.m. local time and arrives in San Diego at 6 p.m. There’s a nine-hour time difference between San Diego and Frankfurt.
According to Condor Airlines, one-way flights start at $329 in economy class, $439.99 in premium and $1,089.99 in business class. A Monday-to-Monday itinerary, say from May 15 to May 22, round-trip for one person in economy, for example, will set you back about $670.
Airfare includes complimentary checked baggage, beverages, meals and complimentary in-flight entertainment, the airline said. Passengers can choose between economy, premium and business class aboard the aircraft, which is a Boeing 767-300ER. Flights can be booked on Condor’s website or by calling (866) 960-7915.
Local
Condor Airlines’ inaugural flight celebration included an aircraft salute; departing passengers got to partake in traditional German snacks, entertainment and a ribbon cutting ceremony before boarding.
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The party was attended by Condor Airlines leaders, including Jens Boyd, who said the service is not only convenient for San Diegans traveling to Germany, but also for European tourists looking to visit America’s Finest City.
“We also will stimulate traffic from this director,” Boyd said in a press release.
April Boling, Board Chairman for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, said the service will also give travelers one-stop access to other European destinations including Paris, Vienna, Prague, Venice, Berlin, Rome, Zagreb and more.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the service also opens new doors for business opportunities between San Diego and Germany.
“Germany is one of San Diego's most important foreign markets,” said Faulconer in a press release. “By providing nonstop service to Frankfurt from San Diego, we're opening new doors to global markets that will attract exports and lucrative foreign investment for the region.”
The German American San Diego Foundation, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and World Trade Center San Diego also see the value of the flight as it pertains to business.
Germany is an important market locally, ranking fourth in terms of foreign employment in San Diego, according to World Trade Center San Diego.
Leaders from those groups gathered Tuesday to raise a glass to Condor’s new service at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station. Stone runs a brewery in Berlin – the first U.S. brewer to own and operate a brewery in Europe.
With that, time to pack your bags. Gute Reise! (Have a nice trip).
