Air Seychelles announces new daily flight to Joburg
The Seychelles Tourism Board is optimistic that Air Seychelles’ new daily flight schedule between Seychelles and South Africa will boost tourism and make the Indian Ocean island destination even more attractive to South African travellers. The extra frequencies are a result of a consolidation of Air Seychelles’ regional network.
The 115-island archipelago has been in the headlines recently, winning Favourite Beach/Island Destination in the Condé Nast Traveller Awards in February.
Seychelles Tourism Board Director South Africa Lena Hoareau commented: "There have been some exciting developments coming out of Seychelles recently. South Africa is an important source market for Seychelles, and we are pleased that the flag carrier is strengthening its operations here. From the STB’s side, we’ll do whatever we can to support the additional flights to Johannesburg."
Air Seychelles’ new Airbus A320neo is one of the world’s most advanced aircraft and will be the first of its kind to operate in the western Indian Ocean. The A320neo has a capacity to carry 168 passengers, while Air Seychelles said significant fuel savings would enable regional network growth.
Air Seychelles has also announced it will suspend its Abu Dhabi service from May 11, 2019. However, Hoareau maintained: "Most travellers from South Africa prefer the direct route. Plus, Air Seychelles will continue to use its longstanding partnership with Etihad to grow traffic from the Middle East and beyond."
Passengers affected by the change are being re-accommodated.
Didier Dogley, Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, concluded: "Air Seychelles is a pillar of Seychelles’ tourism industry. With the full support of all stakeholders, Air Seychelles will continue to develop and grow its regional network and tap into markets where there is great demand, increasing the number of visitors to our shores [and] contributing to the Seychelles economy."
