Air France-KLM offer free flights for Notre-Dame reconstruction

The airline group has joined the global effort to fund the rebuilding of the Parisian landmark

Air France-KLM has been told to slash its carbon dioxide output by 50 per cent by 2024. Courtesy Air France-KLM
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As hundreds of millions of euros were pledge by companies and invididuals individuals around the world to help restore Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral after it was destroyed by fire, Air France and KLM has joined the effort.

In a joint statement the airline group pledged support for the rebuilding of the ancient cathedral. The company said: “All Air France and Air France-KLM teams around the world have been deeply affected and saddened since yesterday.”

In an effort to help restore the symbol of French history, the airline group announced that it would “provide free transport for all official partners involved in the reconstruction.”

In addition, the airline group will also be setting up a voluntary donations fund for any customers who want to help finance the reconstruction efforts in Paris. Details on how to contribute to the fund are still being finalised.

While the structure of the 859-year-old cathedral was saved by firefighters, a substantial part of the roof collapsed in the fire destroying many centuries-old statues inlaid in the 90-metre spire. The vaults of the ceilings in the cathedral were also severely damaged.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to try to rebuild the cathedral in five years but experts have warned it could take decades.

The airline group is the latest in a long line of support that has come since the blaze. French companies L'Oreal, LVMH and Total were among the first contributors to the reconstruction fund and Apple has also pledged support.

There are currently no cost or time estimates for the completion of the reconstruction.