Air Seychelles says Abu Dhabi flights put it on profit path |14 March 2012

It also said the move will stimulate the local tourism industry.

The airline’s chief executive Cramer Ball said this after Flight HM 018/EY4118  took off for Abu Dhabi, bringing to six the total number of weekly flights the national carrier and Etihad Airways will make to that country.

Etihad recently formed a strategic partnership by taking a 40% stake in the then cash-strapped Air Seychelles.

“Reaching into the Gulf region and beyond will further stimulate the local tourism industry. Seychelles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and the extra flights will help ensure the recent record growth in visitor numbers continues,” said Mr Ball.

“Air Seychelles is well-positioned to leverage that demand into commercial growth, particularly by tapping into Etihad Airways’ rapidly expanding global network.”

The two-class Boeing 767-300ER series aircraft was seen off from Seychelles International Airport by Mr Ball, local tourism and civil aviation officials and a lively group of Seychellois musicians and dancers.

There are now six return flights a week linking Abu Dhabi and the Indian Ocean archipelago – two by Air Seychelles and four by Etihad Airways – with plans to introduce a seventh service from June 2012.

Air Seychelles will offer 856 seats per week in addition to the 1,088 seats offered by Etihad Airways on its Airbus A320 flights.

“The joint flight schedule enables optimal connectivity over Abu Dhabi to Etihad’s worldwide network, linking the Seychelles to destinations across Europe, the Far East, Australia, Indian subcontinent and the Gulf region,” said the airline in a statement.