TURKISH CONSIDERING SEYCHELLES IN AFRICAN EXPANSION DRIVE
The Seychelles Investment Forum in Turkey, which just concluded last weekend, also saw intense talks with Turkish Airlines being held over the possibility of commencing flights from Istanbul to Mahe.
Turkish, a member of global industry leader Star Alliance, has been aggressively rolling out global destinations and is set to fly to as many as 30 African destinations by the end of this year, with the number projected to rise to 40 by the end of 2013.
With nearly 200 aircraft in operation now and a truly global reach, THY is seen as a potential partner for the Seychelles to widen their global connectivity, bringing tourists and business visitors to the strategically located island archipelago with its unique appeal to tourists from across the world.
Dr. Temel Kotil, Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines, expressed his airline’s keen interest to evaluate the possibility to start flights to Mahe while in talks with the Seychelles Tourist Board Director for European Markets Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, who was present at the investment forum to promote the Seychelles in the Turkish market place. It was agreed by both parties to continue talks through aviation channels, involving the Seychelles and Turkish civil aviation bodies and respective ministries overseeing aviation vis a vis bilateral air services agreements and traffic rights, with STB continuing to play a lead role in facilitating progress and an early successful conclusion of such discussions.
Turkish has just announced the launch of flights to the Maldives due to commence next month and adding the Seychelles could be seen as a logical progression in their route development, which now spans 97 countries and 203 destinations. Watch this space for breaking news, as and when available.
