Air France will launch direct flights to the Maldives this year, as it continues to expand its Indian Ocean network.

Effective 1 November 2017, the national carrier will operate twice weekly services between Paris and Malé, the Maldivian capital.

The route will be served by a 312-seat, three-class Boeing 777-200 aircraft equipped with Air France’s latest cabin products, including premium economy.

“The arrival of Air France in Malé strengthens the company’s presence on top-of-the-range leisure destinations, a growing market where Air France… is a leader. Air France is also the European leader in services to the Indian Ocean, a position further strengthened by this new destination,” said Franck Terner, CEO of Air France.

Flights will depart Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport every Wednesday and Saturday at 2050 and arrive in Malé at 1020 the following day. The return services then leave at 1305 and arrive back in Paris at 1935.

Air France already flies to Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion in the Indian Ocean, while it also offers codeshare connections to the Seychelles.