#AIRSEYCHELLES CONFIRMS ORDER OF #AIRBUS #A320NEO AIRCRAFT
(Posted 28th May 2018)
Air Seychelles has earlier today announced its first order of the new generation A320neo aircraft as part of the plan to renew its short / medium haul fleet and increase efficiency on its regional network.
The order was signed by Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, Remco Althuis and the Airbus Vice President Sales Sub-Sahara Africa and Indian Ocean, Hadi Akoum during a ceremony held at the Savoy Resort and Spa in Beau Vallon, in the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, Principal Secretary of Civil Aviation Ports and Marine, Garry Albert, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune, members from the travel and trade industry as well as the airline’s staff and colleagues from Airbus.
The new addition will be entering the Air Seychelles fleet in the second half of 2019 and will enable the airline to further increase the capacity on its Johannesburg and Mumbai routes while at the same time delivering significant fuel savings, reducing the airlines’ operating costs.
The aircraft will be equipped with a new inflight product reflecting the latest trends in air travel industry, offering guests greater level of comfort and an enhanced travel experience.
Didier Dogley, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine said: “The aviation industry is becoming extremely competitive which is also reflected in the Air Seychelles decision to invest into a fleet of new generation Airbus A320neo which will among other benefits generate fuel efficiencies that mirrors our national drive towards sustainability. Furthermore, the aircraft will elevate the product Air Seychelles offers across the region ensuring the airline continues to develop and grow sustainably.”
Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles added his own take when he said: “We are delighted to once again work with Airbus to bring the most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft across our regional network. To position Air Seychelles as the airline of choice within the Indian Ocean, we need to ensure that the business is aligned with the demands of the markets in which we operate today. Hence as part of the strategic plan, this new order will not only enable the airline to gradually replace its existing jet fleet with modern new aircraft, but it will also enable Air Seychelles to further strengthen its business by operating in a more efficient manner.”
Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, Eric Schulz said: “We are pleased that Air Seychelles has chosen the A320neo to complement its long term growth strategy. The fuel efficient aircraft will provide the airline with unbeatable efficiency, lowest operating costs and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Thanks to the widest single-aisle cabin in the skies, the A320neo passengers will enjoy the best in class comfort.”
The A320neo is one the world’s most advanced aircraft equipped with the CFM LEAP-1A engine as well as a large ‘sharklet’ wingtip offering up to 15 percent in fuel savings per seat.
Air Seychelles is the first airline in the African Indian Ocean region to order the A320neo.
Meanwhile has the airline also earlier today announced the promotion of eight Seychellois Pilots to the rank of Captain of which four will fly on its domestic operations and four on its international fleet.
First Officers on domestic fleet, Jean-Marc Barra, Graham Moncherry, Sylva Labrosse and Marvis Germain have been promoted to the rank of Captain after successfully completing a rigorous Command Upgrade Program including practical flights training on the Twin Otter aircraft which they are going to command.
First Officers on international fleet, Allen Dubignon, Herve Morel, Kelvin Plows and Michael Robert have been promoted to the rank of Captain on the International fleet after successful completion of the in-house command upgrade training delivered by Air Seychelles.
The Captain were presented with their badges by the airline’s GM Operations, Sandy Benoiton during a ceremony held on Monday, 28 May at the Air Seychelles VIP Lounge in the presence of the airline’s management team and members of their families.
Sandy Benoiton, GM Operations of Air Seychelles said: “I am delighted to welcome the new commanders on board our fleet. I am very proud that for the first time in the near history we have had a 100% pass rate of First Officers to Captain rank on jet fleet. Reaching the rank of Captain requires hard work and dedication. Today I am pleased to congratulate Allen, Herve, Kelvin, Michel, Jean-Marc, Graham, Sylva and Marvis on achieving this proud milestone and for attaining the highest level of skills and knowledge in aviation.”
Air Seychelles currently has 45 Seychellois pilots on the jet fleet, 21 First Officers and 24 Captains and 36 Seychellois pilots in its domestic operations comprising of 14 First Officers and 21 Captains. The Command Upgrade Program was held in-house by the Air Seychelles local instructors.
