Air Seychelles recently welcomed two new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to its fleet delivered by Canada’s Viking Air Limited.

The aircraft were welcomed at a special ceremony at the Seychelles International Airport attended by James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles.

The Air Seychelles maintains a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE and 40 per cent stakeholder.
 
The new aircraft will operate between Seychelles International Airport and Praslin, as well as other islands in the archipelago, including Bird, Denis and Frégate.
 
Greeted by a traditional water cannon salute, the two aircraft, named ‘Isle of Bird’ and ‘Isle of La Digue’ respectively, arrived in sequence in front of the Air Seychelles VIP lounge.
 
President Michel cut a ceremonial ribbon to welcome the Twin Otters to their new home, and was accompanied by Danny Faure, Vice President;  Joël Morgan, Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and Air Seychelles board chairman; and Manoj Papa, chief executive officer of Air Seychelles.
 
The multi-million dollar fleet announcement for the purchase of three 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft was made last October in a deal between the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles and Viking Air Limited.  One remaining Twin Otter is scheduled for delivery in mid-2015.
 
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. -TradeArabia News Service