AIR SEYCHELLES, ETIHAD AIRWAYS AND CAISSA TOURISTIC TEAM UP ON ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS TO SEYCHELLES FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, in association with Caissa Touristic, one of China’s largest travel agencies, will operate additional flights between the Seychelles and Beijing, via Abu Dhabi, for the Chinese New Year holidays in February 2015.                                                  

Two round trips will be offered during this peak travel period to cater to the strong demand from China, the fastest growing tourism market to Seychelles for the last three consecutive years.

The flights will be operated using an Air Seychelles liveried Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 18 Business Class and 236 Economy Class seats. The service will be operated by Etihad Airways and will arrive in Seychelles on 20 and 27 February.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Air Seychelles is a member of Etihad Airways Partners and the collaboration this provides has enabled Etihad Airways to help Air Seychelles capture this opportunity by operating the additional flights.” 

Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, said: “The additional flights are expected to inject over US$1 million into Seychelles over a two week period, which is a significant contribution to the economy.

“Seychelles has emerged as a popular holiday destination for Chinese tourists. Over 13,000 passengers travelled between the two countries in 2014, with almost 60 per cent of this traffic being carried by our key partner Etihad Airways.

“China is an important and growing market, which we are keen to support because of its potential value to Air Seychelles and tourism within the Seychelles. This is a unique opportunity to introduce the Air Seychelles’ brand in mainland China, in partnership with Caissa Touristic, which is already well established in the market.”

Sherin Naiken, Chief Executive Officer, Seychelles Tourism Board, said: “The launch of these additional flights will play an important role in supporting the Seychelles Government’s efforts to attract an increasing number of tourists from China. We offer the opportunity for a relaxing island holiday with pristine beaches and year-round sunshine. Strong demand is expected during the Chinese New Year holidays, and these flights will provide extra capacity to serve this surging market. ”

Chen Xiaobing, President of Caissa International Travel Service Co Ltd, said: “China is the fastest-growing source of tourists for the Seychelles, yet the market is largely underserved. Caissa Touristic is delighted to partner with Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles on the launch of these additional flights, which will provide a greater access to a new and emerging destination for Chinese travelers.

“The services have attracted strong demand and the flights will deliver nearly 500 Chinese visitors to the Seychelles during the Chinese Spring Festival. There is definite potential to grow the market with additional services in the coming years.”

Schedule of Air Seychelles’ Beijing - Seychelles Additional Flights:

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to 111 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 110 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 70 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and nine Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia, and is in the process of formalising an equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin Airline. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.  For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

About Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles was established in 1978 and began long-haul service in 1983. The airline currently offers international flights to Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Paris. Air Seychelles also offers more than 160 domestic scheduled flights a week throughout the archipelago, as well as domestic charter services.  As the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, Air Seychelles is a pillar of tourism, the island nation’s strongest and growing economic sector. For more information, please visit: www.airseychelles.com