Air Seychelles this week celebrated a momentous occasion as it welcomed the arrival of its first Airbus A330-200 just days ahead of Routes Africa. The aircraft made its service debut on the airline’s scheduled HM019 service from Abu Dhabi, arriving at Seychelles International Airport in the early afternoon hours of July 5, 2012.
The aircraft, formerly operated by Indian carrier Jet Airways, was fresh from the paintshop having been painted in Abu Dhabi in the airline’s new corporate livery. It has been named Aldabra in honour of Aldabra Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Seychelles' most remote and pristine islands. Aldabra, the world's largest raised coral atoll, is surrounded by a pristine marine environment, uninhabited and known for its distinctive fauna including the Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
The landmark arrival in the Indian Ocean archipelago was celebrated in style with Vice President Danny Faure and Minister Joel Morgan, Seychelles' Minister for Home Affairs and Transport present to witness a ribbon cutting ceremony by President James Michel.
Flying under the supervision of an Etihad Airways Captain and Training Pilot was Air Seychelles own Captain Paul Belle, who has completed classroom and flight simulator training for the A330 aircraft at Etihad Airways Training Academy in Abu Dhabi, while Air Seychelles cabin crew, back in company uniform for the first time since completing A330 safety and service training in Abu Dhabi, filled the cabin with the airline's signature Creole warmth.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles' Chief Executive Officer, who traveled on board the inaugural flight, said: "Today marks a historic moment, a turning point towards a brighter future. The A330 aircraft is not only younger and more fuel-efficient, but it also boasts excellent new product and services never before seen at Air Seychelles. To see our pilots and cabin crew again working proudly in uniform also shows how far Air Seychelles has come in a relatively short time. With our colourful aircraft livery and world-class service, we will bring the Creole spirit to every destination we fly to."
Minister Morgan, who is also the Chairman of Air Seychelles, welcomed the aircraft on arrival, together with President Michel and Vice President Faure. Also present was a delegation of Ministers, government officials, VIPs, travel industry representatives and media. Minister Morgan said: "To see the A330, emblazoned with Air Seychelles' unique livery, touch down at Seychelles International Airport was a moment of patriotic pride for all Seychellois. Only three months ago, we announced that we would refresh the fleet by retiring our Boeing 767 and bringing in two Airbus A330s. We made a promise and it has been kept. I am thrilled to now welcome our first Airbus, Aldabra, to the Air Seychelles fleet and we look forward to watching it fly the Creole spirit for many years to come."
The country’s President Michel has been hailed for his foresight, courage and vision in repositioning the national airline ahead of the great turmoil Indian Ocean airlines find themselves faced with. By giving Air Seychelles a head-start and finding it a strong and excellent strategic partner, being Etihad Airways, the airline’s management believes the worst is behind it. The company has in record time modernised its fleet and right-sized its operation and will take delivery of a second A330-200 aircraft in January 2013, at which time flights to China will commence.
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