Air France on 02 Nov 17 began operating direct flights to the Maldives.The maiden flight of Air France landed at the Maldives main Velana International Airport Thursday morning to a water salute. Economic minister Mohamed Saeed along with top officials from state-owned airport operator Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) greeted the crew and passengers.Air France will offer two weekly flights to the Maldives on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.The airline will use a Boeing 777-200 jet equipped with the latest Air France travel cabins, and with a capacity of 312 seats, including 28 in Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 260 in Economy. Flights operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays on departure from Paris and on Thursdays and Sundays on departure from Male.