Air Seychelles to Offer Abu Dhabi Link

Etihad Airways is to increase its offering to the Republic of Seychelles Indian Ocean Island archipelago through its new partnership with the country’s national carrier Air Seychelles. As part of its management contract, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier has recently introduced a revised management team at Air Seychelles and this arrangement is the first network development since it announced a deal to acquire a 40 per cent shareholding in the airline.

Air Seychelles will offer a twice weekly link from Mahé to Abu Dhabi, which will complement Etihad’s existing four times weekly service, which was launched in November 2011: a seventh weekly rotation will be introduced from June 2012. The new Air Seychelles rotation will be operated using a two-class Boeing 767-300ER. The aircraft had been expected to return to the lessor after the airline suspended its European programme earlier this year.

“The Seychelles have already proven to be a hugely popular holiday destination amongst Etihad Airways guests. With these additional two Air Seychelles weekly flights, we look forward to successfully serving the route, tourism and business at each end and beyond,” explained Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ recently appointed Chief Executive Officer. The executive previously held a position as Etihad’s regional general manager for Asia Pacific South and Australasia.