Air Seychelles uses its jet aircraft to operate cargo flights |09 April 2020

The first cargo flight was operated from Abu Dhabi to Seychelles on Monday, April 6, 2020 by the airline’s A320neo aircraft S7-VEV (Photo source: Air Seychelles)

Air Seychelles yesterday announced that the national carrier will be operating a series of cargo flights across the region to maintain the import and export supply chain in the Seychelles.

The decision to operate all-cargo flights follows the closure of the Seychelles International Airport for commercial passenger services and the soaring demand in the market to ensure the supply of essential goods are adequately met.

The first cargo flight was operated from Abu Dhabi to Seychelles on Monday, April 6, 2020 by the airline’s A320neo aircraft S7-VEV. The airline carried a total of 10 tonnes of goods to the island comprising food products, courier and a large proportion of medical supplies which is pivotal in the fight against COVID-19.

The same aircraft operated a second cargo flight from Johannesburg to Seychelles on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 carrying mostly pharmaceuticals, perishables and general cargo weighing over 6 tonnes.

Besides loading these items in the cargo and baggage hold of the aircraft, the airline has also transformed the passenger cabin, so additional cargo can be carried in the seats and overhead storage compartments.

Charles Johnson, chief commercial officer of Air Seychelles, said: “As the national carrier, and following our mandate to ensure continuity of trade with the Seychelles, we are pleased to work with local companies to coordinate their inbound cargo requests with countries where borders remain open.

“Starting this week we are also operating cargo-only flights to Dubai (DXB) and Johannesburg on a weekly basis. Additional destinations are available upon request.”

To meet the requirements of the regulator and the local health authorities, the cargo flights are being operated under strict guidance of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority and local Ministry of Health.

Suppliers requesting for cargo flights are invited to contact the Air Seychelles cargo commercial team via email at cargocommercial@airseychelles.com or by phoning +248 4391048.

Press release from Air Seychelles