Phoenix To Frankfort: Airline Offers Nonstop Service

For the first time, people will be able to fly directly from Phoenix to continental Europe. Condor Airlines, part of the Thomas Cook Group, is adding two flights a week between Frankfurt, Germany and Phoenix Sky Harbor.

The flights begin May 18, 2018. Planes will leave Phoenix on Mondays at around 11 p.m. arriving in Germany at 7 p.m., the next day. The flight will then leave Germany around 5:30 p.m. and arrive in Phoenix at 9 p.m.

On Fridays Condor will leave Phoenix around 5 p.m., arriving in Germany at 1 p.m., the next day. In Germany it will leave at around 11:30 a.m. Fridays, arriving Phoenix at 3 p.m..

Sky Harbor says that a grand opening ceremony and promotional activities will be planned for next year.

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Right now, flying to London is the only direct option for people flying to Europe from Sky Harbor.

"We are pleased to bring Condor’s award-winning, three-class service at attractive prices to Phoenix and the whole state of Arizona and to give the local people a unique choice for their travels to Germany and beyond," said Christoph Debus, CEO Thomas Cook Group Airlines.

"With our numerous partner airlines we offer flights beyond Frankfurt to over 120 destinations across Europe."

The Phoenix City Council recently voted to approve an updated airline incentive program, allowing for funds to promote a new overseas flight, as well as fee waivers to offset airport costs when an airline starts new international service.

Phoenix Sky Harbor says that this is standard procedure at most airports today and can tip the scales when an airline is choosing between cities.

The funds are 100% from airport revenues and no tax dollars are utilized in the program. The Arizona Office of Tourism, along with the convention bureaus of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Glendale are supporting the effort with $150,000 in funds to the airline, specifically to market the flight into Arizona.

"This is exciting news for Phoenix, and our community is ready to roll up its sleeves to make Condor’s new Phoenix-Frankfurt route a success," said Mayor Greg Stanton.

"It's meaningful for Phoenix to have a nonstop route to mainland Europe, which is a sign of the strength of our market and economy, and will help boost the tourism industry for both Arizona and our German friends."

Condor says the planes will have 259 seats and passengers will receive complimentary checked baggage, beverages, meals and in-flight entertainment.

The Business Class seats will feature lie-flat seats, a personal in-seat, premium touch-screen entertainment system, power and USB ports at every seat and gourmet, five-course meals with complimentary wine, beer and cocktails

Photo via Condor Airlines