International schedule expansion for Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles recently announced, subject to regulatory approval, it will launch flights to Paris-Orly as part of an expansion to its international schedule. Plans for an optimised regional network include introduction of several new routes in 2014.

From February 2014, Air Seychelles will operate two return services per week between Seychelles and Paris-Orly via Abu Dhabi with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 18 business class seats and 236 economy seats.

Joel Morgan, Seychelles’ minister for Home Affairs & Transport and Board chairman, said: “The Abu Dhabi service schedule offers convenient travel between Seychelles and major European destinations. With our new service, we will be able to provide a fresh option for overseas visitors.”

Currently, the carrier code-shares on 14 flights per week to Paris-Charles De Gaulle with equity partner Etihad Airways , offering a daily service. The new flights will increase connections to 18 per week.

The airline also unveiled a new regional network plan, subject to approvals, which will see significant expansion of its operations in the Indian Ocean in Q4 2014, following the delivery of an Airbus A319.

The airline will also offer three return flights per week to Hong Kong, three return flights per week to Johannesburg, and two flights per week to Paris-Orly. Altogether, the airline will see its weekly international services nearly double from 16 to 29 flights per week.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles chief executive officer, said: “The new schedule will see Air Seychelles spread its regional footprint and build a solid position that will establish us as the carrier of choice in the Indian Ocean.”

Highlights of the plan (IN A BOX)

• The launch of regional services to Antananarivo, Reunion and Mumbai
• An increase in services to Abu Dhabi from seven to 11 per week, offering a double daily service with Etihad Airways
• The new regional schedule will see Air Seychelles operate three return flights per week to Mauritius and Mumbai, two return flights per week to Antananarivo and Reunion, and 11 return flights per week to Abu Dhabi.