Air Seychelles Takes Delivery of First Airbus A320

Air Seychelles has taken delivery of Amirantes, the airline’s first Airbus A320.

The aircraft has a two-cabin configuration comprising 16 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class.

“The arrival of ‘Amirantes’ is a truly special event for us that marks the beginning of an exciting new growth phase for our carrier,” said Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa. “Our new Airbus A320 will be used to launch three new routes, including Mumbai, Dar es Salaam and Antananarivo, representing the fastest rate of expansion our airline has ever seen. We have been able to accomplish this incredible feat thanks also to the support of our equity partner, Etihad Airways. In addition to these new services, the delivery of Amirantes will allow us to offer significant schedule upgrades on our existing network. From December, we will increase our weekly services to Abu Dhabi from 7 to 9 flights, move our Mauritius services to a morning departure, and enhance our services to Johannesburg with a convenient Saturday departure.”

Minister Morgan, who is also Chairman of Air Seychelles, said, “Watching the A320 descend on Mahé with our bold livery on its tail fin was a proud moment for all of us. It is the third Airbus to join our fleet in as many years, and I am thrilled by the opportunities it brings for our national carrier, as well as for the wider economy and the people of Seychelles. It will connect our archipelago to important new markets in the Indian Ocean, East Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, channeling new sources of trade and tourism through and beyond Seychelles, as well as improving regional air connectivity.”

Honouring the religious customs of the country, Amirantes was blessed during an interfaith service lead by Roman Catholic Bishop Priest Louis Agathine and Anglican Priest Danny Elisabeth. The blessing was followed by tours of the aircraft for the general public as well as tourism and trade partners.