Air Seychelles boosts Praslin capacity by 38% |31 October 2012

The schedule has been enhanced to increase capacity at peak inter-island travel times throughout the day. Morning, midday and late afternoon flights have been doubled, bringing average seats per week up to 5,216.

According to a communiqué from the airline, the increase in domestic capacity will serve the growing demand on the Praslin route, both for international connecting passengers and locals.

The numbers of domestic passengers flown have increased in the third quarter by 32 per cent for international guests and 27 per cent for local guests (compared with second quarter figures).

The schedule will also reduce congestion at the domestic terminal through the use of an innovative scheduling system. By scheduling multiple aircraft to operate the same flight, taking off only minutes apart, the airline can offer faster and more convenient services to guests during peak times.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ chief executive officer, said: “These changes will further affirm our role as the carrier of choice for inter-island services in Seychelles. Our mission is two-fold: to support the ever-growing tourist industry and to provide a reliable and efficient service for residents.

“Smart businesses not only respond to demand, but anticipate and prepare for it. Demand for flights to Praslin is growing, among both international and local guests, which is why we have adjusted our domestic schedule and strategy. We foresee a further surge during the holiday season, so we will also be adding additional frequencies during that time.”

Air Seychelles operates three DHC6-300 and one DHC6-400 aircraft on its domestic route network, including daily Praslin services and charter services throughout the archipelago to islands such as Bird, Denis, Fregate and D’Arros.