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.”
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Light shines inside the Notre-Dame cathedral in the aftermath of the blaze. EPA -
The Paris fire service announced that the last remnants of the blaze were extinguished on April 16. AFP -
A staff member walks inside the Notre-Dame in the aftermath of a fire that devastated the cathedral. EPA -
Men work on a statue at Notre-Dame Cathedral after a massive fire devastated large parts of the gothic structure in Paris. Reuters -
Inspectors are seen on the roof of the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 16, 2019, the day after a fire ripped through its main roof. AFP -
The landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris the day after a fire destroyed its spire, April 16, 2019. AFP -
Smoke billows as flames burn through the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. AFP Photo -
Smoke rises around the altar in front of the cross inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral as the fire continues to burn outside. Reuters -
Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof. Getty Images -
Firefighters work to put out the blaze on Tuesday morning. AFP Photo -
A couple looks on as firefighters race to save Notre-Dam. AFP -
Flames on the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, 15 April 2019. EPA -
Smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019, AFP -
Smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019. EPA -
Smoke billows as flames destroy the roof of the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019. AFP -
Flames and smoke billow around the gargoyles decorating the roof. AFP -
Firefighters spray water to extinguish the flames. EPA -
Firefighters spray water to extinguish the flames. EPA -
Smoke and flames rise from Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019. AFP
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.
