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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Bradley Jolly

Notre Dame fire: Air France to offer free flights to people involved in reconstruction

Air France says it will offer free flights to people involved in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame.

The catastrophic fire engulfed the 850-year-old building after burning for several hours on Monday night.

It destroyed the cathedral's iconic spire and roof.

Billionaires have since pledged to donate millions to help restore the landmark

And now Air France has said it will assist in the reconstruction by providing free journeys to all those people involved with it.

Bosses have agreed to "ensure the free transport of all the official actors who will take part in the reconstruction of Notre Dame".

It will also set up a voluntary collection system for its customers to help finance reconstruction.

Smoke and flames rise during the fire yesterday (AFP/Getty Images)
The steeple of the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral collapses (AFP/Getty Images)

Notre Dame fire: Air France to offer free flights to people involved in reconstruction 

A statement from the airline is translated into English as: "All Air France and Air France-KLM teams around the world have since been deeply affected and saddened.

"That's why Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, made the decision with Anne-Marie Couderc, President of Air France-KLM, and Anne Rigail, Chief Executive Officer of Air France, which Air France will ensure the free transport of all the official actors who will take part in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

"In addition, the Air France-KLM Group will set up a voluntary collection system for its customers in the coming days to help finance the reconstruction work."

President Emmanuel Macron lamented the destruction of the building (AFP/Getty Images)
French President Macron vows to rebuild Notre Dame

Notre Dame fire: 12 amazing secrets about the iconic Paris cathedral 

A pair of bell towers immortalized in Victor Hugo's tale "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" survived the blaze, along with the cathedral's elaborate stonework facade.

And invaluable artifacts were saved, including the Crown of Thorns, believed to be a relic of the passion of Christ.

Speaking last night, President Emmanuel Macron said: "Notre Dame is our history, it's our literature, it's our imagery. It's the place where we live our greatest moments, from wars to pandemics to liberations.

"This history is ours. And it burns. It burns and I know the sadness so many of our fellow French feel."

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