Air France today announced that it will extend its Cork to Paris Charles de Gaulle service for the winter 2018/2019 season, linking Ireland’s South to the French capital, while also offering onward connections to up to 180 destinations worldwide.

The Cork to Paris service is a new route on the Air France network, due to commence operation from 26 May 2018. The service, which was announced in January was originally scheduled to run through to the end of the summer season, finishing on 27 October. However, due to positive forward bookings, the route has now been extended to a yearly service.

Bénédicte Duval, General Manager of Air France KLM UK & Ireland stated, “We are delighted to be in a position to launch a year-round service rather than a seasonal service when operations commence in May. I am confident that the extra choice and connectivity this will bring, both outbound and inbound, will be well received by the local community. Our continued investment in the Irish market will result in stronger business links between Ireland and France and we are proud to be able to further support tourism and local businesses in the region”

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said, “Cork Airport welcomes this announcement which signals outstanding confidence in the metropolitan city region served by Cork Airport to sustain and grow new routes and services.”

"We are delighted that Air France shares this confidence in the economy across the South of Ireland and in the growing number of French tourists that desire to visit this part of Ireland in 2018 and beyond. Cork Airport continually strives for consistent route growth and development and this decision by Air France is fully aligned with our growth strategy," he added.

Daragh Hanratty, Head of Aviation Marketing at Cork Airport said, “The growth of this route before it takes off in May is testament to the popularity of Paris as a destination for Irish customers and to the popularity of Ireland for our French visitors. Air France’s decision to expand the service to a year round offering with outstanding hub connectivity to a global network via Paris Charles de Gaulle airport will facilitate growth in both the inbound and outbound markets here at Cork Airport"

All flights will be operated by Air France Hop! using Embraer 170 aircraft, carrying up to 76 passengers.

Long-haul passengers will benefit from a recently improved range of Air France products and services, both on the ground and on board. This includes three cabins; Economy with ergonomically designed seats, Economy Comfort which provides passengers with additional legroom and extra seat recline and Business Class with a full lie flat bed.

Fares start from €129 return in economy including all taxes and charges. To book flights, visit www.airfrance.ie or call the Air France call centre on Ph: 01 6590442.