Jean-Claude Gayssot, France’s minister for public works, transport and housing and a chief negotiator of a new air treaty between France and the U.S., visited Atlanta last week to meet with Mayor Bill Campbell and Leo F. Mullin, president and CEO of Delta Air Lines.
According to a Delta spokesman, Mr. Mullin extended an invitation to Mr. Gayssot to meet with him following the approval on May 8 by the U.S. Department of Transportation of a code share/blocked space agreement between Delta and Air France which will go into effect on Friday, June 19.
On April 8, Mr. Gayssot signed a new air treaty with the U.S., which liberalized air rights to each country but did not go as far as an ‘open skies’ agreement permitting unrestricted routes.
Delta has announced that its new service with Air France will provide both business and leisure passengers additional choices for reaching desired destinations around the globe.
Meanwhile, Air France has announced new nonstop service to Atlanta with its own aircraft, and Delta plans to place its code on this new flight.
Mr. Gayssot was appointed minister in 1997, and also has responsibilities for the tourism sector.
For more information about his visit to Atlanta, call Valerie Deroy, media and public relations officer, the Consulate General of France at (404) 522-4226, ext. 115.