How Amelia is set to revolutionize travel between Pau and Paris Orly with its new public service delegation

Since July 1, 2026, travelers between Pau and Paris Orly have a renewed option to connect the Béarn capital to the Île-de-France hub. French airline Amelia, a subsidiary of Regourd Aviation, has taken over the Pau–Paris Orly route for four years under a public service delegation (DSP) awarded by the Pau Pyrénées mixed syndicate. This move is significant for both regular and occasional passengers, as this route is a vital link between the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the economic and tourist heart of Île-de-France.

With two daily round trips on weekdays and an additional rotation on Sundays, Amelia has tailored its schedule to meet the needs of both business travelers and tourists. Departures from Pau are at 7:05 AM and 5:35 PM, while return flights from Orly are scheduled for 9:15 AM and 7:45 PM. On Sundays, an additional late-afternoon flight completes the offering, allowing passengers to enjoy a weekend in Paris before heading back in the evening. This schedule is designed to balance efficiency and comfort, with a flight time of no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Amelia is relying on an aircraft perfectly suited to this regional route: the Embraer 145, a 50-seat jet that combines operational flexibility with cost efficiency. The cabin configuration, all-economy but with leather seats, offers a compromise between comfort and affordability. This route is not Amelia’s first, as the airline already operates several similar routes under the same model, such as Rodez–Paris Orly or Clermont-Ferrand–Paris Orly. Experience that allows it to refine its offering for passengers, whether traveling for business or leisure.

One of the major advantages of this route lies in its distribution, backed by the Air France network. Tickets are available on flyamelia.com, as well as through the national carrier’s channels, with the option to earn Flying Blue Miles. This strategic collaboration simplifies connections to other long-haul destinations from Orly or Charles de Gaulle. Travelers thus gain easy access to Air France’s international network while benefiting from a reliable and well-integrated regional route.

A four-year DSP to secure a strategic route

The takeover of the Pau–Paris Orly route by Amelia is part of a broader effort to support territorial development routes. Unlike purely commercial routes, this connection is deemed essential to maintain connectivity between the Pyrénées-Atlantiques prefecture and Paris. The public service delegation (DSP) awarded by the Pau Pyrénées mixed syndicate provides Amelia with four years of visibility, enabling the airline to plan investments and ensure flight regularity—a rare security in the aviation sector, where regional routes are often weakened by low-cost competition and high-speed rail.

This DSP responds to an identified need: continuity of service following the withdrawal of the route by Transavia in autumn 2024. The mixed syndicate therefore chose to entrust operations to Amelia, a carrier already experienced in similar DSP routes. A decision that reflects the local authorities’ commitment to preserving this vital link for the regional economy, particularly for businesses and students regularly traveling to the capital.

Alain Regourd, President of the Amelia Group, welcomed the award in a statement: « We are delighted to resume our service on the Pau–Orly route. We thank the Pau Pyrénées Mixed Syndicate for its trust: we are committed to delivering a premium service by providing access to Paris via Orly—a strong demand from our customers. » This commitment translates into a special focus on punctuality, comfort, and flexible schedules.

A certified fleet and maintenance for a reliable experience

Amelia operates the Pau–Paris Orly route with an Embraer 145, a 50-seat aircraft that makes up the bulk of its fleet. This regional jet, known for its robustness and adaptability, is ideal for routes with moderate but regular traffic. The airline highlights its integrated maintenance capabilities, with EASA-approved centers and several IOSA certifications, ensuring rigorous aircraft oversight. This technical mastery reassures travelers accustomed to delays and cancellations on some regional routes.

Amelia’s fleet also includes Embraer 135s, Airbus A319s, and A320s, offering a range of capacities to suit diverse needs. On the Pau–Orly route, the Embraer 145 strikes a balance between operating costs and comfort, with a narrow but elongated cabin, leather seats, and an all-economy configuration. An approach that appeals to both business travelers and tourists while keeping fares accessible.

Amelia’s integrated maintenance, handled by approved Part-145 and Part-CAMO centers, is a guarantee of reliability for passengers. Unlike some carriers that outsource these services, Amelia maintains full control over aircraft quality, reducing the risk of breakdowns or delays linked to poor maintenance. This attention to detail is reflected in flight regularity and passenger satisfaction.

Competitive fares and Flying Blue benefits

The Pau–Paris Orly route is marketed on flyamelia.com, with a pricing strategy tailored to different traveler profiles. For professionals, Amelia offers a « Pro » fare as well as subscription cards, while leisure travelers benefit from attractive fares for early bookings. The collaboration with Air France also allows passengers to earn Flying Blue Miles, a significant advantage for those who frequently use the national carrier’s loyalty program.

The commercial agreements between Amelia and Air France go beyond simple ticket distribution. They include codeshare agreements, facilitating connections with Air France’s medium- and long-haul network. For travelers in transit to other destinations, this integration is a major asset, allowing them to plan their journeys with a single booking. A synergy that enhances the appeal of the Pau–Paris Orly route, especially for those looking to connect to hubs like Paris-Charles de Gaulle or international cities.

For local businesses, Amelia also offers tailored solutions, including subscriptions adapted to the needs of employees who frequently travel. This flexibility complements the optimized schedules for business trips, with departures and returns at the start and end of the day.

A premium service for a stress-free experience

Amelia emphasizes a « premium service » for the Pau–Paris Orly route, a promise backed by concrete commitments. Punctuality is at the heart of this approach, with a strong focus on flight regularity and connection management. The schedules have been designed to allow passengers to make a day trip, with ample time for work or leisure in Paris or Pau.

Comfort on board is another highlight of the offering. The Embraer 145, though compact, features leather seats and a cabin layout designed to provide sufficient space, even on a 1 hour and 30-minute flight. Travelers also appreciate the smooth boarding and disembarkation processes, as well as the availability of cabin crew trained to meet premium customer expectations.

Finally, the route benefits from the enhanced accessibility of Orly Airport, particularly since the opening of Line 14 of the Paris Metro, which directly connects the airport to central Paris. This service complements the RER and bus options, giving travelers multiple ways to reach their final destination without wasting time.

A route embedded in a regional dynamic

The takeover of the Pau–Paris Orly route by Amelia is part of a broader effort to strengthen air links between Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Europe. This DSP is an example of collaboration between public and private stakeholders to maintain an essential service despite the economic challenges facing the sector. For travelers, this means continuity in transport offerings, with an experienced carrier and schedules tailored to their needs.

With this route, Amelia reaffirms its position as a key player in France’s regional air transport sector. A position that enables it to offer reliable, well-integrated routes tailored to passenger expectations. For travelers between Pau and Paris, this is an opportunity to rediscover a strategic route with a service that combines efficiency, comfort, and affordability.

At a time when regional air routes are often threatened by competition from high-speed rail or low-cost carriers, this DSP offers a breath of fresh air for passengers. One thing is certain: with Amelia, the Pau–Paris Orly route is far from done surprising those who use it regularly.