The Paris-Limoges flight connection canceled

Chalair Aviation, a company specializing in regional air transport, will discontinue this route considered unprofitable between Paris and Limoges.

Founded in 1986 and based at Caen-Carpiquet Airport (Normandy), the small airline Chalair Aviation operates 14 aircraft on short routes, in France (Paris-Brest, Paris-Quimper, Rennes-Toulouse, Toulouse-Marseille, Brest-Bordeaux…), as well as in Africa, and employs nearly 110 people.

However, the Paris-Limoges route is expected to be affected by a decline in passenger numbers, as the connection is set to be discontinued starting March 3, 2023. In fact, Chalair averaged only 5 passengers per flight. This quota is far too low to cover the operating costs (fuel, taxes, airport assistance…), and is also difficult to justify given the current scrutiny on fossil fuels.

An amount far too large

Nevertheless, to ensure the continuity of service, Chalair was requesting 12 million euros over 4 years from Smalb, the joint airport authority of Limoges-Bellegarde Airport (New Aquitaine Region, Department, and Limoges Métropole Urban Community).

This amount is considered excessively high, as it exceeds the previous contract by 14%. According to Jérôme Latrasse, Deputy General Manager of Chalair: “The company has lost more than €1 million net in total, despite subsidies on this route, over the four years of operation. Fortunately, other routes are doing somewhat better, but like all airlines, we have suffered from the COVID-19 crisis (Note: the planes, with a capacity of 19 passengers, carried around 14 passengers in 2019)“

The imminent discontinuation of this air route is likely to upset travelers, as the Paris-Limoges train line is also far from ideal due to very frequent cancellations and delays. Plus, the journey takes more than 4 hours, which is the same as traveling by car!

Source : France 3 Regions

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