San Antonio gets its first European route with German leisure carrier Condor Airlines. Thrice-weekly flights that will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, will boost travel from San Antonio’s largest source market, Germany.

German leisure carrier Condor Airlines will launch seasonal non-stop flights from Frankfurt to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) from May 17, 2024.

According to a press statement by San Antonio Tourism, initially, Condor will operate the flight three days a week,  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The new seasonal service will operate from May 17-September 6 and the new route will be serviced on Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

The statement adds that the aircraft reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 pc. It is the first aircraft in the world already certified for the regulatory reduction in CO2 emissions, which will be required by 2028, and that subsequently will reduce travellers’ environmental footprint.

With the launch of the flight from Frankfurt, the seventh largest city in the United States and one of the main touristic sites in Texas, San Antonio will see a major boost in tourist arrivals from Germany, its key source market, thanks to a new flight connection. SAT’s first-ever trans-Atlantic service on Condor will have an annual USD 34 million estimated economic impact, says the press statement.

“This is a spectacular win for San Antonio. This is the first time that people in San Antonio will be able to fly from SAT to Europe nonstop and vice-versa. Germany is where San Antonio has the most demand for travel in Europe because of the cultural, historic, tourism, military and business ties,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg during a news conference at the International Center.

The statement adds that A330neo offers inflight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers, featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. “With our growing fleet of A330neos, we can provide better travel options to more Americans every year. I am particularly proud to offer the only nonstop connection from San Antonio, Texas to Frankfurt, Germany, the heart of Europe, where travellers can enjoy the popular touristic sights of Germany or travel beyond conveniently by air, road or rail. I invite everyone to try out our newest and most luxurious in-flight experience ever,” says Ralf Teckentrup, CEO of Condor.