Air Seychelles has today confirmed that its second Airbus A320neo aircraft will be named after one of Seychelles critically endangered bird called ‘Pti Merl Dezil’ also known as the ‘Seychelles Warbler’.
Set to be delivered in March 2020, under the code S7-PTI, the newest addition to the fleet will reaffirm the airlines’ commitment in raising awareness about the Seychelles ecosystem and the importance of protecting its endemics for future generation.
Scientifically recognized as ‘Acrophalus sechellensis’ with current population over 3000, the small song bird which can be identified by its brown feathers, long legs and narrow beak was on the verge of extinction in the twentieth century.
Reclassified as ‘Near Threatened’ in 2014, following the increase in its population, to date ‘Pti Merl Dezil’ can be found on five granitic and coralline islands of the Seychelles including Cousine, Aride, Denis, Fregate as well as Cousin island, declared a nature reserve in 1968 to protect this species.
Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “Seychelles as a destination is actively advocating for sustainable tourism and at Air Seychelles we are doing our part to introduce more ecological practices.
“In 2019, besides the delivery of our first fuel efficient aircraft, we invested in a range of electronic equipment’s and introduced new service method to reduce single use plastics and aluminium as part of this initiative.
“As visitors are becoming more aware of the impact of climate change, naming our second A320neo aircraft after one of Seychelles critically endangered bird will further allow our guests to be aware of the continuous efforts being done locally to safeguard the Seychelles environment for generations to come”.
Air Seychelles took delivery of its first A320neo aircraft named ‘Veuve’ after a critically endangered bird in the Seychelles in August 2019.
Similar to last year, the name of the second aircraft was selected following an exercise conducted internally across the business where staff had the opportunity to submit potential names related to the brand and values of the airline.
Air Seychelles extends its congratulations to Ms. Angie Pothin for submitting the winning name ‘Pti Merl Dezil’.
