Air Seychelles and Etihad airways host cocktail reception to celebrate growth

Seychelles and equity alliance partner Etihad Airways hosted a stunning cocktail reception at the Banyan Tree Resort on Thursday night to celebrate the on-going success of their partnership and the growth of the island carrier.

The event brought together over 100 guests from the travel trade, local businesses, government and the diplomatic community, who were treated to a memorable evening that combined the warm Creole hospitality of Air Seychelles and the sophistication of Etihad Airways.

VIP guests at the reception included the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Danny Faure, the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, and Chairman of Air Seychelles, Jöel Morgan, and the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St. Ange.

Speaking at the reception, Minister Jöel Morgan noted the carrier’s successful turnaround strategy and its continued growth:

“It is truly inspiring to see how far our new Air Seychelles has taken off and flown in the last two and a half years – and how quickly it continues to break new ground. We have now posted two consecutive years of net profitability, and by all indications are on track for a third.”

The carrier recently posted solid H1 results 2014, registering a 20 per cent growth in total revenue, a 25 per cent growth in cargo and a strong increase in passenger numbers.

Manoj Papa, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer, reflected on this success and thanked those present for their invaluable support in helping the carrier establish its new vision.

“We have achieved truly remarkable results, which I believe are testament to the commitment and hard work of our employees, and the tremendous support we have received from our many friends within the Seychellois community.

“I also believe that this growth would not have been possible without the vision and continued support of our partners, Etihad Airways, and the government of the Republic of Seychelles, who, every day, are assisting us in providing better services to our passengers, in growing our fleet, and in extending our reach through the opening of new routes, or in establishing agreements with codeshare partners who provide access to global destinations we cannot yet reach.”

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Air Seychelles is on track for a very exciting future. As its strategic equity partner, Etihad Airways is very proud to be part of that journey as Air Seychelles continues to make a significant contribution to the Seychellois community and become the leading airline in the region.”

During the reception guests were invited to participate in an exciting raffle draw as local jazz band Collective Soul performed in the background.

The two winners were President’s Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixted’Offay, and Deputy High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Dave Jones, both of whom won a pair of Business Class tickets on any routes operated by Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways respectively.