Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles has today launched a seasonal twice-per-week service to the largest capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo.

The inaugural flight, HM755 departed Seychelles International Airport at 11am under the command of Captain Francois Jackson, First Officer Russel Morel whilst the guests were looked after by Cabin Manager Jaqueline Confiance, Cabin Senior Carole Agathine as well as Flight Attendants Yannick Commettant and Emmie Padayachy.

Touching down at Ivato International Airport at 12:50am, the flight operated by the airlines Airbus A320 aircraft ‘Amirates’ named in honour of one of the largest group of coral outer islands in the Seychelles, was greeted by a traditional water-cannon salute upon arrival in the presence of key representatives from the aviation industry, trade and tourism partners as well as the media.

Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud was amongst the delegation on the inaugural flight together with the airline’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Berlouis and Head of Corporate Affairs, Sheryl Barra.

Addressing the guests at the airport during the welcoming ceremony the Chief Financial Officer of Air Seychelles, Michael Berlouis said: “We are delighted to launch this twice-weekly seasonal service to Antananarivo to facilitate the flow of tourism between Madagascar and the Seychelles as well as across the Indian Ocean.

“This achievement has been made possible with the continued support of our partners that is the government of Madagascar, airport authorities, members of the travel trade, the media and indeed our loyal guests for playing an important role in the launching of the route.

“The seasonal service providing a total of 8,432 seats will in addition offer convenient air links for business and leisure travellers planning their trip to Mumbai or Abu Dhabi with seamless connectivity in less than three hours over the Seychelles.

“We are thus excited to connect travellers to our Mahé hub and to provide access to more destinations across our network.”

Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud said: “Air Seychelles’ resumption of services to Madagascar caps an electrifying week of expanded connections between our archipelago and the rest of the Indian Ocean, and that it takes place in a year where Seychelles has assumed the presidency of the Vanilla Islands, pleases us to no end.

“The airline business is never easy for any company, but having a robust plan is key and we are thrilled to see our airline’s well-considered strategy, data driven and founded on vigorous regional flying, continue to unfurl.

“We look forward to the economic success of these flights, and fully support further engagement between Air Seychelles and its friendly regional partners, airlines as well as business and tourism stakeholders, in order to strengthen the new links, share risks and rewards, and create prosperity for all.”

Travelers are invited to take advantage of the excited launch fares starting from SCR6700 currently on sale until 7 July, 2019 by booking their tickets via airseychelles.com, visit the airlines’ sales offices located in both Mahe and Praslin or contact the Air Seychelles Call Centre on 4391000.