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In an exciting development for island-deprived travellers since the advent of global lockdowns, Air Seychelles (HM) by popular demand is pleased to announce the start of a great partnership with Visit Maldives, following the resumption of the airline's weekly commercial flights in July from Johannesburg to Maldives, via Seychelles.

Considering the long-haul routes that are currently being offered by several other carriers, news of the shorter nine-hour journey has been positively received and welcomed by holidaymakers looking for additional incentives as they plan an escape into paradise. In fact, to further meet demands and affirm its commitment to this route, the Seychelles flag carrier has today confirmed that the airline will extend its services into Maldives into 2022.

Last year the Maldives was voted the world’s leading destination by the World Travel Awards. The magnificent archipelago located South-West of Sri Lanka is an exquisite island cluster cloistered by topaz lagoons, milky white beaches, and translucent seas. For South Africans with their sights set on the vacation of their dreams, the Maldives ticks all the right boxes for travellers of every genre. From those going solo, to romantics, and adventure seekers, Maldives is the place to be. It’s also increasingly attractive to families, a place where children can swim and splash in crystal-clear waters, snorkel, and do countless water activities, all in complete safety.

While the Maldives is obviously a magnet for scuba and snorkelling safaris and the water sport set, it also racks up as a soulish stay for mindful travellers. Think early morning yoga sessions on the deck of your villa and days spent reading and aqua gazing from the comfort of a hammock slung between the palms. A sunset stroll nets crimson sunrises and encounters with scuttling crabs and wading herons. Nature is at ease and the conservation efforts of the Maldivian authorities’ are to be applauded.

To mark the start of this partnership, Air Seychelles and Visit Maldives will be launching two competitions (B2B and B2C) targeting the travel trade selling packages, for the potential South African holidaymaker.

Travel agents selling air tickets on Air Seychelles to Malé between October and December 2021, for travel in 2022 stand the chance of winning two (2) return economy class tickets (excluding taxes) for themselves to experience this world class destination. The agent must sell a minimum of 5 return tickets on the Johannesburg – Malé sector.

The B2C competition will run for one month across the Facebook, Instagram platforms and websites of both companies, using the hashtag #HM2Maldives where one winner will win an incredible prize of two air tickets (excluding taxes) including seven night’s accommodation in Maldives.

Air Seychelles operates into Maldives using a fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft of 168 seats. Flight HM1124 departs OR Tambo in Johannesburg at 21h10 every Friday, and stops briefly in the Seychelles before arriving in Malé at 09h15. Returning to South Africa, HM123 departs from Malé on Fridays at 11h35, arriving in Johannesburg at 17h55. For more information visit www.airseychelles.com.

About Air Seychelles

The Seychelles’ national carrier has been flying for over 45 years. Wholly owned by the Government of Seychelles, Air Seychelles operates regionally from its home in Mahe to Colombo, Tel Aviv, Johannesburg, Mumbai and Mauritius with state- of-the-art Airbus A320NEOs. Domestically the airline operates up to 30 roundtrips a day to Praslin, the second largest island in the archipelago, along with various charters to other islands on its twin-otter fleet. Air Seychelles offers ground handling services to major commercial and private airlines at its base in Mahe, Seychelles.

In 2024, Air Seychelles was recognized as the ‘World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean 2024’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards and also claimed the coveted titles of ‘Indian Ocean's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2024’ and ‘Indian Ocean's Leading Cabin Crew 2024.’

Information contained in this press release is accurate at the time of publication.