The carrier Air France announced today that it will start flying Paris-Maputo on December 2 and not at the end of October as it had initially planned, says a statement from the French company.

The flights between the French and Mozambican capitals will have a stopover in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will operate twice a week, says the press release.

The operation will be ensured by a Boeing 777-300 ER equipped with refurbished cabins, the company's press release states.

"Mozambique has emerged as an important commercial destination because of its natural energy reserves. However, tourism is also an asset of the country," said Wilson Tauro, Air France-KLM's regional manager for Southern Africa.

Tauro said that the route will facilitate the connection between Maputo and the main European cities, given Air France's extensive network, including destinations in Portugal, Brazil and Cuba.

"With the easing of travel restrictions for vaccinated passengers, a crucial and extremely positive step has been taken to restore the leisure and commercial markets," stressed Air France-KLM's regional manager Southern Africa.

The carrier, he continued, is very confident in the success that will be generated by the integration of Maputo into the carrier's network.

With Maputo, Air France increases its African presence to 43 cities on the continent.

In order to satisfy the Mozambican market, the company currently has regular flights throughout the day between Paris and Lisbon or Porto.

Lusa Agency