Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher to fly higher with the New Airbus A320neo
The iconic Seychelles Paradise
Flycatcher spreads its wings wider as the Seychelles’ national carrier; name
its new acquisition after this rare endemic species.
It was a proud moment for the nation
as Air Seychelles welcomed the Airbus A320neo on Friday August 2nd
2019 with ceremonial water canon salute, making it the first airline in the
Indian Ocean and Africa to operate the aircraft.
Talking about the procurement of the
new aircraft Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan
Renaud mentioned a symbolic of a new era.
The Principal Secretary was present
at the inaugural ceremony alongside high government officials, Air Seychelles
management team and Airbus representatives.
Principal Secretary Renaud further
mentioned that the aircraft is fuel-efficient one, which will allow Air
Seychelles to save on both fuel and operating costs, as well as helping the
nation in its efforts for sustainability.
He further mentioned that the Airbus
A320neo’s fuel efficiencies mirrors national ambitions for sustainability and
support for a greener future. Therefore, showing the world how far the
Seychelles’ dedication to the environment goes.
“The paradise flycatchers needs us,
and we need them. “Veuve” is meaningful in another sense - the paradise flycatcher
is a delicate bird, once critically endangered, but today with a future that is
brighter because we chose, as a nation, as citizens, as a family, with our
friends, to nurture its survival,” said the Principal Secretary for Civil
Aviation, Ports and Marine in his speech.
Commenting on the new addition to
the Air Seychelles fleet, Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board (STB)
stated that the symbolism of the name behind the plane is not only a pride for
Seychelles but also for the conservation ideologies, the destination defends
with vehemence.
“It is a pleasure for STB to be
present at such a memorable event for our partners. We can only applaud our
partners for their consistency and hard work to make the company prosper amidst
adversity.
“The arrival of “Veuve” definitely marks the
start of a new chapter in the development of the national airline, the increase
in seat capacity available on the aircraft will enable Air Seychelles to
continue delivering a significant contribution towards both the growth of
tourism and the Seychelles economy.” said the Principal Secretary for Civil
Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud.
The aircraft, named “Veuve” after
the endangered bird commonly known as the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, is a
symbol of hope and prosperity for the Seychelles.
On Monday August 12, 2019, Air
Seychelles’ brand new Airbus A320neo aircraft operated its official flight
between Seychelles and the capital of Gauteng, Johannesburg, amongst the
passengers for this favourable occasion was Ms. Jenifer Sinon STB Deputy Chief
Executive.
