Air Seychelles today celebrated a momentous occasion as it
welcomed its first A330-200 aircraft, named Aldabra.
The historic first flight, operating as HM019, arrived at
Seychelles International Airport at 13:35 from Abu Dhabi.
Vice President Danny Faure and Minister Joel Morgan,
Seychelles’ Minister for Home Affairs and Transport were present to witness a
ribbon cutting ceremony by President James Michel, celebrating the arrival of
the much-awaited aircraft.
The aircraft is named in honor of Aldabra island, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and one of Seychelles’ most remote and pristine islands.
Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, is surrounded by a pristine
marine environment, uninhabited and known for its distinctive fauna including
the Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
Flying under the supervision of an Etihad Airways Captain
and Training Pilot was Air Seychelles Captain Paul Belle, who has completed
classroom and flight simulator training for the A330 aircraft at Etihad Airways
Training Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Air Seychelles cabin crew, back in Air Seychelles uniform
for the first time after completing A330 safety and service training in Abu
Dhabi, filled the cabin with the airline’s signature Creole warmth.
Highlights of Air Seychelles’ A330 include enhanced
in-flight entertainment with personal, on-demand systems at every seat, true
lie-flat seats in Business class and refreshed menu design, as well as
dine-on-demand personalized tray service in Business class.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, who
traveled on board the inaugural flight, said: “Today marks a historic moment, a
turning point towards a brighter future. The A330 aircraft is not only younger
and more fuel-efficient, but it also boasts excellent new product and services
never before seen at Air Seychelles.
“To see our pilots and cabin crew again working proudly in
uniform also shows how far Air Seychelles has come in a relatively short time.
With our colourful aircraft livery and world-class service, we will bring the
Creole spirit to every destination we fly to.”
Minister Morgan, who is also the Chairman of Air Seychelles,
welcomed the aircraft on arrival, together with President Michel and Vice
President Faure. Also present was a delegation of Ministers, government
officials, VIPs, travel industry representatives and media.
Minister Morgan said: “To see the A330, emblazoned with Air
Seychelles’ unique livery, touch down at Seychelles International Airport was a
moment of patriotic pride for all Seychellois. Only three months ago, we
announced that we would refresh the fleet by retiring our Boeing 767 and
bringing in two Airbus A330s. We made a promise and it has been kept. I am
thrilled to now welcome our first Airbus, Aldabra, to the Air Seychelles fleet
and we look forward to watching it fly the Creole spirit for many years to
come.”
Minister Morgan has praised Air Seychelles staff, past and
present who facilitated the change process and conceded that it was arduous and
stressful.
President Michel was hailed for his foresight, courage and
vision in repositioning the national airline ahead of the great turmoil Indian
Ocean airlines find themselves faced with. By giving Air Seychelles a head
start and finding it a strong and excellent strategic partner, being Etihad
Airways, the worst is behind it. The company has in record time modernized its
fleet and right-sized its operation.
Air Seychelles will take delivery of a second A330-200
aircraft in January 2013, at which time flights to China will commence.
Air Seychelles
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