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Home , Air Seychelles, Etihad Airways

Re-establishing a network By Manoj Papa Chief Executive Officer,

stablished in 1978, Air Seychelles is the cent stake in the airline from the government as part national airline of the Republic of Seychelles of a strategic equity partnership in which the two and plays a key role supporting the tourism airlines have collaborated on a long-term business industry of this idyllic archipelago of 115 plan. This has seen Air Seychelles renew its fleet, as Eislands. well as benefitting from ’ resources The last two years have been particularly eventful and extensive global route network, allowing it to for the airline, culminating in its being awarded the maximise efficiencies, boost sales opportunities, prestigious 4-Star Airline ranking by airline review and launch scholarship training programs for young organisation at the beginning of this year. Seychellois. In the near future we will be adding an Air Seychelles is the first and only 4-Star airline in A319 and three Twin Otters to our fleet, and Manoj Papa the Indian Ocean, and is one of only 36 airlines in the in 2014 commence flights to , , La began his career with world that meets the rigorous quality criteria of the Réunion and . Skytrax 4-Star airline ranking. Air Seychelles is focused on becoming the carrier of (SAA) working across We are absolutely delighted to receive this choice in the Indian Ocean, providing its guests with a different functions recognition, which recognizes our hard work to warm and uniquely Creole travel experience, enviable including finance, enhance our product and service offering. This new levels of comfort, and service in the air and on the sales, strategy, the ranking places us among the very best airlines in the ground. frequent flier program world and confirms the significant progress we have As part of this mission, the airline has recently and e-commerce, while made during the last two years. upgraded its Pearl and Economy class rising to the position of Air Seychelles was awarded its 4-star rating after cabins within its new -200 fleet. Pearl Regional General Manager a rigorous auditing exercise by Skytrax in recent Business class now offers the only true lie-flat seat on for Asia and Australasia. months. In June 2013, the airline leapt from 133 to any commercial airline flying into or out of Seychelles He joined Etihad Airways 56 worldwide to join the ranks of the most improved in a 2-2-2 configuration. Each of the comfortable new in 2007 and served airlines. It also achieved the position as second best seats features leather and fabric upholstery, a privacy as Vice President of airline in Africa. shell, and a pitch of 82 inches with lumbar support and Corporate Strategy. In January 2012, Etihad Airways, the national an in-seat massage function. He returned to South airline of the United Arab , bought a 40 per Economy class features personal on-demand African Airways in 2012 entertainment screens and held the position in all seats, which are of Acting General ergonomically designed Manager: Commercial for optimal comfort with and was instrumental in a seat pitch of between developing the long term 32 and 33 inches. The turnaround Strategy for ‘cradle recline’ feature SAA. He became CEO of ensures the spine rests in Air Seychelles on 1st a more natural position, March 2014. with adjustable headrests and integrated footrests providing extra comfort. Once in Seychelles, the international airport need not be visitors’ final destination. There are Air Seychelles’ more than 20, 15-minute partnership with flights a day to the Etihad links the second-largest island 36 country to the world of Praslin. The more

FIRST remote islands of Bird, Denis, Desroches, Darros and Loyalty programme Air Seychelles Frégate may also be reached with Air Seychelles, in Air Seychelles’ loyalty programme works in collaboration with the islands’ hotels. conjunction with the award-winning Etihad Guest is one of only programme, offering its members improved benefits, Safety and security services and flexibility. Etihad Guest members 36 airlines Air Seychelles is the first airline in Africa to implement automatically earn and redeem miles with the entire a Safety Management System (SMS), which is Etihad Guest Partner network worldwide, which in the world mandatory for all IATA member airlines. includes hotel chains, car hire companies and retailers The airline’s fleet of A330-200 aircraft, leased from as well as 15 airline partners. We have also launched that meets Etihad Airways, undergoes regular maintenance at Abu Air Seychelles VIP to cater for VIPs and private jets Dhabi Aircraft Technology’s state-of-the-art hangars, visitng Seychelles. the rigorous as well as by qualified engineers in Seychelles. The domestic fleet is maintained by Air Seychelles Cargo quality Technical Operations, a European Aviation Safety Air Seychelles offers its customers a wide range of cargo Agency (EASA) accredited organisation. services linked to its partner airline Etihad Airways criteria of using the hub to access its expanding Luxury in the air, and on the ground international route network and aircraft fleet in the Skytrax The Seychelles is increasingly a luxury destination: addition to serving the destinations of , the increase in high-end tourism is reflected in the and Hong Kong. The airline also provides a 4-Star airline development of 5 star resorts. This brings with it convenient new option for sending packages within the the necessity to provide luxury service to this niche archipelago through its domestic services. ranking market as well as to other VIPs. Air Seychelles has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based to operate The future looks bright the only Fixed Based Operation in Seychelles, offering Since its partnership with Etihad, a considerably dedicated service to private jets as well as to very slimmed-down Air Seychelles has demonstrated important guests. strong growth as it works to re-establish an Air Seychelles also has its own premium lounge international network through an increasing number exclusively for its business class passengers in the of codeshare partners. departure lounge at Seychelles international airport, Air Seychelles forecasts that it is on track for a designed to provide a world class facility and to meet second year of profitability after reporting a US$1 the needs of discerning guests. million profit for the financial year to Dec-2012, after Trezor is the Air Seychelles duty free shop losing US$12.5 million in 2011. at the departure lounge offering an exciting We are creating a solid foundation for the future of duty-free shopping experience at Seychelles our airline, Seychelles tourism and our home economy, international airport. and we are on track for a second year of profitability. F

Striving to become the carrier of choice in the Indian Ocean region 37

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