Condor Announces First-Ever Transatlantic Flight to San Antonio

Starting May 17, 2024, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) will have nonstop seasonal flights to Europe. Condor Airlines will operate these groundbreaking flights connecting San Antonio directly to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany.

This new route will offer passengers seamless access to multiple European destinations and beyond.

Photo: Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX. Courtesy of Judah Estrada / Unsplash

The revelation, made during a news conference at the International Center, was met with great excitement. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “This is a spectacular win for San Antonio. This is the first time 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.”

According to Nirenberg, this remarkable achievement is projected to have an annual economic impact of approximately $34 million on the region.

Flights on brand-new A330neos

Passengers can now book seats for the new route that will operate nonstop flights from May 17 to September 6. Condor will use its brand new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, which is eco-friendly and boasts exceptional inflight comfort.

Photo: Courtesy of Condor

The aircraft, which began flying to the U.S. in February on its inaugural flight to New York-JFK, is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, aligning with the aviation industry’s environmental goals.

Additionally, the plane provides spaciousness, larger overhead bins, enhanced lighting, and cutting-edge entertainment systems, ensuring an unforgettable flying experience for all passengers.

Photo: Premium Economy, Airbus A330neo. Courtesy of Condor Airlines

The A330-900neo has a seating capacity of 310 travelers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

Business Class passengers will enjoy lie-flat seats, personalized entertainment, and premium amenities, including “Prime Seats” for those seeking an extra touch of luxury.

Photo: Airbus A330neo, Economy Class. Courtesy of Condor.

Premium Economy and Economy classes are also designed to provide maximum comfort to the passengers, with ample legroom and adjustable headrests.

Massive win for SAT

According to Ishrion Aviation, an independent site that covers airline routes and other aviation industry content, “This could easily be the biggest [new route] for 2024.” Ishrion notes that for an airport this size to secure a seasonal long-haul flight to a premium destination like Frankfurt “is an absolutely massive win.”

Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System, expressed optimism about Condor’s presence at SAT, expecting it to attract more airlines and destinations.

Photo: San Antonio, Texas. Courtesy of Shelly Collins / Unsplash

“This is just the beginning of so much more to come at SAT. We fully believe San Antonio will utilize this service to Europe and take advantage of Condor’s extremely competitive airfares. Once that happens, we anticipate Condor will expand their services even further,” he said.

Ralf Teckentrup, CEO of Condor, emphasized the airline’s commitment to quality service and value. “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 travelers 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,” he said.

Photo: Courtesy of Condor

The new service marks a significant milestone in San Antonio’s efforts to attract tourists and diversify its economy away from fossil fuels. The Red Sea Project aims to have a zero-carbon footprint, primarily powered by renewable installations, a step towards a more sustainable future.

San Antonio’s aviation venture aligns with the city’s vision of becoming a global hub and a premier tourist destination. With the opening of the Red Sea International Airport, travelers can expect a world-class experience and newfound accessibility to European destinations.

Miami Also on Condor’s Radar

In addition to launching San Antonio, the German carrier will also introduce nonstop flights from Frankfurt to Miami International Airport in May 2024.

Condor will introduce three weekly flights from Miami to Frankfurt, with seamless connections to over 100 European destinations.

Photo: Courtesy of Miami International Airport

“With our growing fleet of A330neos, we can provide better travel options to more and more Americans every year. I am particularly proud to see Florida return to our network next summer, and to invite everyone in Southern Florida to try out our newest and most luxurious in-flight experience ever,” said the airline’s CEO, Ralf Teckentrup.

Moreover, as part of its North American expansion plans, the airline will increase flight frequencies to two existing destinations in the summer of 2024. Boston will be served six times a week, while Halifax will be served four times a week.