Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles has today become the first airline in the Indian Ocean and Africa to take delivery of a new Airbus A320neo aircraft into its international fleet.
Named “Veuve” after the most critically endangered bird commonly known as the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, the single aisle aircraft registered as S7-VEV comprised of 12 Business Class and 156 Economy Class seats.
Touching down at the Seychelles International Airport “Veuve” was welcomed by a ceremonial water-cannon salute witnessed by high-level government dignitaries, stakeholders, members of travel and trade as well as media partners.
Delegates on the ferry flight included Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, Remco Althuis; Chief Operations Officer, Sandy Benoiton; CDB Aviation’s Head of Commercial for Africa, Europe and Middle-East, Peter Goodman; Airbus Head of Airline Marketing Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa, Joep Ellers; Airbus Sales Director, Marino Modena; as well as key members of the airline’s senior management team.
The ferry flight, which departed Hamburg, Germany on Thursday, 1 August in the evening commanded by Captain Nicole Chang-Leng and First Officer Steven Jasmin, made a short stopover in Abu Dhabi before proceeding to the Seychelles, under the command of Captain Hervé Morel and First Officer Samuel Lautee.
Addressing the guests during the welcoming ceremony held at the airlines’ VIP Lounge, the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud, said: “Today is indeed a marvelous moment for our national airline, as Air Seychelles becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate Airbus’ brand new A320neo aircraft. Our nation celebrates with you.
“The arrival of “Veuve” definitely marks the start of a new chapter in the development of the national airline as the increase seat capacity available on the aircraft, will enable Air Seychelles to continue delivering significant contribution towards both the growth of tourism and the Seychelles economy.”
Powered by the new-generation LEAP-1A engine from CFM International, the new A320neo jetliner featuring fuel-saving wingtip devices known as sharklets is the worlds most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.
“Carrying the vibrant colors of Air Seychelles, we are very proud to introduce the first A320neo in Africa” said Hadi Akoum Airbus Vice President, Sales for Sub-Sahara Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
“The A320neo will allow Air Seychelles to increase capacity on its network, while delivering significant fuel savings and reducing the airlines’ operating costs”
Speaking on behalf of the CDB Aviation, Head of Commercial for Africa, Europe and Middle-East, Peter Goodman expressed: “CDB Aviation is very grateful and proud to support the mission of Air Seychelles to be the airline of choice within the Indian Ocean.
“We believe the arrival of this new aircraft in Victoria will mark another important step along your continued path of growth and prosperity for this beautiful island nation.”
Sharing his excitement with the audience, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Remco Althuis said: “The arrival of “Veuve” marks an important milestone in the history of Air Seychelles and following the intense preparation that started since 2017, today we are beyond proud to see the beautiful livery of Air Seychelles on the first A320neo in Africa.
“Reflecting the latest travel trends, the new generation aircraft will offer guests a comfortable experience, with access to seyStream wireless inflight entertainment platform, combined with the unique Creole warmth and hospitality of our dedicated Cabin Crew to strengthen Air Seychelles travelling proposition.”
Chief Executive Remco Althuis also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all the stakeholders who has been heavily involved in the delivery of “Veuve” including the colleagues from the Air Seychelles family for their hard work in making this project a reality.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony on the ramp in front of the aircraft, respecting the religious traditions of Seychelles, “Veuve” was also blessed by Father Danny Elizabeth and Father David Alcindor, representing the interfaith community of Seychelles.
It was over 18 years ago in 2001 that Air Seychelles took delivery of a new aircraft. The Boeing 767-300ER which was registered as S7-ASY is currently being operated by Air Canada Rouge.
