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Air France aims to improve its business class occupancy and wean away traffic from Gulf carriers by offering its transit passengers free stopover at Paris including a complementary night stay in hotel and limousine service to/from airport.
The offer is available for business class ticket holders either on outbound or inbound journey provided they hold valid Schengen visa. It is valid for travel between August-December, the airline announced today. Air France flies between Paris and Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.
Gulf carriers including Emirates and Etihad offer free hotel accommodation for business and first-class passengers during transit. Etihad also offers free transit visas to its stop over passengers. Typically, the free transit accommodation is provided until the next available connecting flight. Singapore Airlines too offers stop over hotel options which are sold through travel agents offering discounts to its customers.
According to John Nair, Head—Business Travel, Cox & Kings Ltd: "Airlines introduce free stopovers to its premium class passengers using their hubs as they see it as a value addition for their premium customers. It gives the passengers an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city."
