Air Seychelles has today announced that the airline has taken delivery of its new A320neo aircraft registered as ‘S7-PTI’.
Named Pti Merl Dezil, the aircraft landed in the Seychelles late in the evening on Thursday, 19 March 2020. The aircraft was commanded by two of the airline’s Jet Fleet pilots from Hamburg to the Seychelles via Abu Dhabi, where a brief stop for refuelling was made.
The arrival process in the Seychelles was carried out according to strict guidance of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and the Seychelles Department of Health.
Members on the flight included six staff from the Air Seychelles Technical Operations department, as well as two staff members from the SCAA. The team were in Hamburg to conduct the final inspection and acceptance of the aircraft.
Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “COVID-19 was non-existent when S7-PTI was ordered 18 months ago and we do understand that right now it is a critical time for all airlines globally, including for Air Seychelles.
“As the older plane is leaving the fleet, having a new generation of fuel efficient aircraft is very important in order to safeguard the economic operations once the business resumes back to normal.
“It is for that reason that it was important, that we took delivery of the new A320neo aircraft and Pti Merl Dezil will be part of Air Seychelles’ fleet of two A320neos.
“Whilst the demand for air travel and tourism to the Seychelles has significantly decreased due to COVID-19, the aircraft will be put to work to maintain strategic air links to the Seychelles, ensuring that critical supplies can still come in and it will also be available for repatriation flights should those be required.”
In adherence to the guidelines of the local Department of Health, the team has proceeded on 14 days quarantine upon arrival.
Dr. Jude Gedeon, Public Health Commissioner commented further: “All necessary precautions were taken by the staff to prevent infection whilst in Hamburg. The location where the staff will be accommodated in Seychelles has been verified by the Department of Health and is suitable for quarantined”.
Air Seychelles expresses its gratitude to the team for volunteering to take delivery of the aircraft, wishes them good health and looks forward to seeing them back at the workplace soon.
Related Development- Air Seychelles revises domestic schedule to Praslin
Effective Saturday, 21 March 2020, Air Seychelles will be revising its flight schedule to Praslin, due to reduced demand following the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
As part of its revised schedule, the airline will now operate six round trips between Mahe and Praslin on weekdays including seven round trips over the weekend starting from 6.25am until 7.10pm. Travellers are advised to visit www.airseychelles.com to view the schedule of flights.
Charles Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Seychelles said: “In order to continue to meet the needs of local travellers, a convenient schedule in the morning and evenings has been established for the next several weeks.
“We encourage travellers to regularly check our website for the latest timetable and flight information to ensure accuracy.”
Following guidance from the local Department of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Air Seychelles is advising all travellers to avoid going to the airlines sales offices for bookings of tickets.
Travellers are requested to book their trip via airseychelles.com or at the reservations and ticketing desks located at the Domestic Terminal in both Mahe and Praslin. Note that only card payment is accepted at these facilities.
