RUSSIAS TRANSAERO LAUNCHES SEYCHELLES FLIGHTS
After receiving all regulatory approvals from Russia and the Seychelles has Transaero finally started their long awaited flights between Moscow and Mahe. The Seychelles private sector last year had made urgent representations to have flights approved, and while presently only running until Easter, Transaero is said to be seeking permission to obtain 5th freedom right to fly on to other Indian Ocean island destinations and create a viable basis for year round flights.
The B777 used by Transaero will make three flights a month, once in every 10 days, and is aimed at the Russian holiday market where travelers are seeking to escape the harsh winter conditions and book holiday packages for a date with sun, sand and sea.
Hoteliers and DMCs are reportedly happy with the new flight which over the coming months is expected to bring over 2.500 additional visitors to the archipelago, hopefully creating market awareness in Russia of the Seychelles being a dream holiday destination all year round. Russia is high on our list of emerging markets and has the potential to produce significant visitor numbers for Seychelles. Our airline partners in the Gulf are presently connecting Russian travelers via their hubs in Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi but nonstop flights have their own attraction and the Transaero links with Russian travel agents will open up a new market segment which we otherwise might not catch said a regular source from Victoria.
Transaero is one of the first privately owned airlines in Russia and was started in November 1991, flying to 156 destinations from their Moscow hub with the Seychelles being the latest addition. Needless to say that Transaero has IOSA certification and ranks amongst the 10 safest airlines in the world, according to available statistics, operating 73 aircraft including B747-400s and B777s.
Happy Landings for now until the end of March at which time Transaero might hopefully consider expanding operations to year round. Visit www.transaero.ru for more information on the airline and dont forget to pay a virtual visit to the Seychelles via www.seychelles.travel
