Air Transport

A new French carrier is planning to launch premium transatlantic flights by the end of the year using an ex-Condor Boeing 757-200.

Paris-based Elysair says that France's civil aviation administration DGAC is "in the process" of delivering its French air carrier operating licence and air carrier certificate, the airline having fulfilled the necessary economic criteria. The carrier will be headed by former AOM-Air Liberte chief executive Marc Rochet.

The carrier's ex-Condor 757-200 is being sourced from German Operating Aircraft Leasing (GOAL) in a 100-seat configuration and will be equipped with Aviation Partners Boeing winglets. A second aircraft will be added in the first half of 2007.

Incorporated last month, Elysair is planning to serve New York Newark six times weekly from 15 December. Services to a second US destination - Boston according to the DGAC - are due to begin in March. The start-up carrier says that it will add a third, non-US destination in 2008.

Elysair says it has raised €25 million ($32 million) in start-up capital, exceeding the €18 million required by French financial monitor CSAM.