It has just been confirmed that one of the most interesting transatlantic flights will be returning in 2025.
In this post:
Air Saint-Pierre’s transatlantic Paris flights
In the summer of 2018, a fascinating domestic transatlantic route launched — it operated seasonally once weekly. Specifically, ASL Airlines operated a Boeing 737-700 that was marketed by Air Saint-Pierre between Paris (CDG) and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (FSP).
What’s Saint Pierre and Miquelon? It’s a self-governing territory of France, situated in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, near Newfoundland and Labrador. The islands cover an area of about 93 square miles, and have a population of just about 6,000 people.
The territory’s airline, Air Saint-Pierre, only has turboprops, which aren’t capable of operating the route. So the airline leased a Boeing 737 for the once weekly flight.
This was the first time ever that we saw a nonstop link between these territories and mainland France. There were some other things that made this route interesting:
- The runway in Saint Pierre is only 5,900 feet long, so the plane had to be weight restricted, meaning the flight could only transport at most 100 passengers (that means most passengers get an empty middle seat)
- I had intended to take this flight in 2018, but was shocked to find out that the flight was sold out on almost every single date that it operated; I wasn’t expecting that, especially given that the route was subsidized
The route ended up returning in 2019, was then paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, and then returned in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The route will now be returning yet again, for the 2025 season.
Paris to Saint Pierre flights return in 2025
The once weekly flight between Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Paris will be returning in 2025, between June 23 and September 8, 2025.
The route will once again be operated by an ASL Airlines France Boeing 737-700, and the flight will be marketed and sold by Air Saint-Pierre. The flight will operate westbound on Mondays and eastbound on Tuesdays, as follows:
Paris to Saint Pierre and Miquelon departing 4:00PM arriving 6:30PM
Saint Pierre and Miquelon to Paris departing 10:30AM arriving 8:05PM
As you can see, the plane sits on the ground in Saint Pierre for quite a while. This is so that the crew can get their rest and operate the flight back the next day, rather than making them stay there for over a week.
I imagine the airline was able to get a decent deal on parking at the airport for 16 hours. 😉 It’s also interesting since this is an eastbound daytime transatlantic flight, which is fairly rare.
Air Saint-Pierre fares to & from Paris
If you want to book a seat on this flight, below is the pricing for travel originating in Paris (a one-way ticket costs €661.14).
Then below is the pricing from Saint-Pierre (a one-way ticket costs €626).
The plane is in an all-economy configuration, as there’s no premium cabin.
This flight is already bookable, and tickets can be reserved directly on Air Saint-Pierre’s website.
Bottom line
I find this Air Saint-Pierre flight to be absolutely fascinating. It’s so cool when airlines not only try a route like this, but it actually succeeds and returns year after year.
While the link between Paris and this French territory is obvious, it’s still kind of awesome that such a small territory can support a flight like this. But I guess the downside was fairly limited, since the route was subsidized from the beginning. Personally I find this to be the most intriguing transatlantic route.
Anyone else love this Air Saint-Pierre flight as much as I do?
(Featured image courtesy of Anna Zvereva)
Do this flight, Ben! Looking forward to the review post! :)
How much does France subsidize the flight? It's expensive.
Is it possible to buy one ticket originating in Montreal with an overnight in St. Pierre?
Wot? No business or first class and you still want to review it? ;)
I'm really wondering why this isn't a year round flight, as France tends to maintain close contact with its colonies, and not just in the summertime. The current fastest route (via YUL) is quite cumbersome.
Anyway, have fun if you manage to get on it this time! And don't forget to leave a review, please! I'll pass, as the bucket list of things to see and do is already longer than a lifetime. :)
At least Eastbound, most middle seats are not occupied (weight restrictions), which makes the "comfort" equal to European Business Class, and not a much longer sector than CDG-TLV, Cyprus, CAI or BEY routinely operated by A320s.
ASL serves no caviar but their meals are not worse than AF's Economy meals, way better than US transcons on 737-Max in economy.
There is certainly no market for daily service. Could it be 2xWeek? Probably.
Somewhat analogous: SA Airlink's once weekly service between JNB and St Helena Island HLE. Very weight restricted because of the non-trivial chance it will fly 3 hours over the Atlantic to approach HLE, then be turned back because of wind. There is only one flight per week from HLE and it's this one. The documentary about the building of HLE is fascinating.
Years ago, when I worked closely with Icelandair, the St. Pierre government blocked 30 seats for YHZ KEF CDG twice weekly for their civil servants.
Great article. I'd love to see an article listing out the most intriguing routes around the world.