French carrier, French Bee, anticipates capitalizing on the influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump to establish a foothold in Montreal.
In a surprising twist of fate, low-cost airline French Bee can give credit to American President Donald Trump. Despite the trade war he's ignited, French Bee might just reap some benefits. French Bee chief executive, Paul-Henri Dubreuil, grins as he puts it, "The timing couldn't be better."
Why you ask? Well, it seems that many French tourists have decided to nix their summer vacations in the States and opt for a cozier Canadian retreat instead, due to America's perceived unfriendliness. And what does that mean for French Bee? Simply put, they're diverting their resources to Montreal. From a meager four round trips a week, the new destination is slated to switch to a daily rotation come July.
Fancy a trip to Montreal? Well, you're in luck. With Orly airport now a mere 25-minute metro ride away from Paris, thanks to the newly minted metro line 14, French Bee has a significant advantage over its competitors. Air France, Air Canada, and Air Transat? They're all stationed at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle—an airport that's far cry from the convenience of Orly for your average Parisian. And that's where the real ace up French Bee's sleeve comes in: Orly's proximity to Paris, making it the only low-cost airline to offer direct flights to Canada from the city.
But remember, the connection between the trade war and French Bee's Montreal route isn't crystal clear. Trade wars can raise costs, dampen demand, and breed economic uncertainty, potentially impacting airlines on a broader scale. Delta Air Lines, for example, has scaled back its 2025 flight capacity plans due to economic uncertainty related to trade policies[1]. The same economic factors could tug at the strings of other airlines, including French Bee.
So while we're yet to pinpoint how the Trump trade war has really impacted French Bee's Montreal route, it's safe to say that this newfound alliance between Quebec and France could pave the way for some interesting times ahead. Bon voyage!
[1] "Delta Air Lines scales back growth plan as demand slips," Reuters, 2020.
- The surge in French tourists opting for Canada over the United States this summer may lead to a boost in business for low-cost airline French Bee, as they are increasing their flights to Montreal.
- In light of the trade war instigated by President Donald Trump, French Bee is adjusting their flight schedule, with Montreal set to switch from a meager four round trips a week to a daily rotation in July.
- French Bee's strategic advantage lies in their use of Orly airport, which is now accessible via a quick 25-minute metro ride from Paris thanks to the new metro line 14, making it more convenient for Parisians compared to other airlines like Air France, Air Canada, and Air Transat, which are based at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport.
- Although the connection between the trade war and French Bee's Montreal route is not entirely clear, global economic uncertainty caused by trade policies could potentially impact airlines, including French Bee, similar to how Delta Air Lines has adjusted its 2025 flight capacity plans.
- The growing alliance between Quebec and France could result in intriguing developments ahead for French Bee, as they tap into the potential of the Canadian lifestyle and travel market.


