Historique
1971
Short airstrips are built on the islands of Praslin and Frégate, complementing the main runway on Mahé, after a swift rise in the number of passengers travelling to Seychelles by air.
1977
The Government of Seychelles purchases several small aircraft operators and groups them together under one company tasked with operating interisland air services.
1978
The domestic airline is officially renamed “Air Seychelles”.
1983
The government decides to expand into the long-haul passenger business and acquires a Douglas DC 10 aircraft. The first weekly flight to Europe is launched on 26 October 1983 with a service between Mahé and London via Frankfurt.
1987
Responding to fast-growing passenger numbers, Air Seychelles purchases two Boeing 707-320 aircraft, naming them Mahé and Silhouette.
1989
Air Seychelles acquires a state-of-the-art Boeing 767-200 ER aircraft. The aircraft lands in Seychelles after a record-breaking 14,311 km flight from Michigan, USA, setting a new distance record for a commercial twin-jet aircraft.
1993
The airline leases a Boeing 757 to expand its network in Europe.
1996
A non-stop Manchester service is introduced, increasing the airline’s international network to 10 destinations.
1997
Air Seychelles and Air France enter a joint venture to operate services between Paris and Seychelles using the island carrier’s Boeing 767 aircraft.
1998
A no-smoking policy is implemented on all flights. In the same year Air Seychelles enters into agreements with Alitalia and British Airways.
2001
Air Seychelles responds to a humanitarian crisis by flying 70 Indian construction workers to Bombay following a major earthquake in the state of Gujarat. The “Seychelles Plus” frequent flyer programme is launched.
2002
A Fedex service is launched following the signing of an agreement for Air Seychelles to represent the USA-based worldwide courier service. The airline acquires a 36-seat Shorts 360 aircraft for its domestic network and launches the Indian Ocean Pass Programme with Air Mauritius and Air Austral, giving travellers convenient travel options across the Indian Ocean.
2003
Air Seychelles leases an Antonov-12 aircraft to support the development of Seychelles as a regional cargo hub.
2005
Following the liberalisation of air access into Seychelles, Air Seychelles phases out scheduled services to Maldives, Mumbai and Johannesburg in the course of the year.
2006
Air Seychelles launches the Training Academy, an SCR 11 million technical facility that also serves as an area for the storage and maintenance of aircraft. To mark the 30th anniversary of Independence Day, Air Seychelles launches a new livery on its interisland fleet featuring large tropical hibiscus flowers.
2007
The airline signs on to be a launch customer for two Twin Otter DHC6-400 aircraft, manufactured by the Canadian-based Viking Air Limited. Air Seychelles’ “Salon Vallée De Mai” business lounge is officially opened at the international airport. Seating 90 passengers, it offers a modern, elegant and well-appointed setting for business travellers. Air Seychelles makes regional history as Captain Nicole Change-Leng becomes the airline’s first female pilot and the first Seychellois to captain a Boeing 767 aircraft.
2008
Boeing Commercial Planes of Seattle undertakes repair works on an Air Seychelles Boeing 767 that was damaged after being towed into a barrier fence in Paris. The works are filmed by National Geographic for “The World’s Toughest Fixes” television programme.
2010
Air Seychelles begins operations to the Falkland Islands as part of a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, providing the only scheduled air link to the islands. To mark International Women’s Day, Air Seychelles operates an all-female crew on its service to Paris.
2011
Air Seychelles launches a new corporate livery, designed around the Seychelles ecosystem and featuring the airline’s trademark fairy terns.
2012
Air Seychelles downscales its international network and stops operating scheduled services to Europe. Etihad Airways acquires a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles as part of a strategic partnership agreement. Air Seychelles is restructured and embarks on a two-year turnaround plan to become sustainably profitable. As part of this, the airline acquires an Airbus A330-200 aircraft and increases frequencies to Abu Dhabi, providing convenient and flexible access to destinations across Etihad Airways’ global network.
2013
Air Seychelles signs a codeshare agreement with airberlin, Cathay Pacific and South African Airways, while continuing to expand its codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways. In the same year Air Seychelles launches flights to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi. Halfway through the year, in June, Skytrax rankings moved from 133 to 56. Air Seychelles flies down football legend Patrick Vieira from Manchester City for a series of local football clinics with Seychellois youth. The airline takes delivery of a second Airbus A330-200 aircraft. In November, passenger numbers grew by 91% as the company sees a strong growth in Q3.
2014
Air Seychelles is awarded a prestigious four-star ranking from Skytrax, which is complemented later in the year with two accolades at the World Travel Awards for the best cabin crew and business class in the Indian Ocean. In July, the airline launches flights to Paris via Abu Dhabi and takes delivery of two new Twin Otter aircraft for its domestic operations. Air Seychelles acquires an Airbus A320 aircraft in December and starts operating scheduled services to Antananarivo, Dar es Salaam and Mumbai. The airline also signs codeshare agreements with Alitalia and Hong Kong Airlines in 2014, boosting its connections to Europe and Southeast Asia. In the same year Air Seychelles clinches two top tiles at the World Travel Awards and celebrates the arrival of its first Airbus A320 aircraft which will operate the new routes being Dar es Salaam and Mumbai.
2015
January
Air Seychelles Cargo launches shopping box service and opens up more of Europe with expanded Etihad Airways codeshare
February
Air Seychelles seals a new codeshare agreement with Air Madagascar and operates special flights from Beijing to Seychelles forthe Chinese New Year celebrations.The 13th group of Air Seychelles cabin crew complete safety and service training at the Etihad Airways Training Academy
March
Air Seychelles posts third consecutive year of net profitability and announces non-stop flights to Paris and an enhanced regional network
April
Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways support Seychelles carnival, a festival to celebrate the diversity of Seychellois culture and has boosts Mauritius and Mumbai services to four-weekly
May
Air Seychelles unveils codeshare partnership with Jet Airways, expanding its network reach to four more Indian cities.Launches a secure air freight service called SafeGuard. Air Seychelles supports Seychellois contestant in Miss Deaf Africa beauty pageant
June
Major fleet milestone celebrate as Air Seychelles registers first Airbus aircraft under the Seychelles S7 civil aircraft register.Air Seychelles is named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards, and, for the second year running, is awarded the titles for thebest cabin crew and business class in the region
July
First non-stop flight between Seychelles and Paris-Charles de Gaulle touches down in the French capital
August
Air Seychelles selects Sabre to enhance guest experience and growth
September
Air Seychelles welcomes second Airbus A320 aircraft into international fleet and participates in Expo Milan and announces codeshare between Italy and Seychelles with Air Seychellles, Alitalia and Etihad Airways.10 Air Seychelles pilots embark on Airbus A320 training program at the Etihad Airways Centre in Abu Dhabi.Air Seychelles increases network capacity and flight frequencies on new winter schedule
October
Air Seychelles introduces locally made Takamaka Bay rum on its flights and registers its first Airbus A330 under the Seychelles 27 OCTOBER Civl aircraft registration and offers inflight connectivity. Air Seychelles launches priority cargo service and welcomes 12 Seychellois graduates from Etihad Airways world class training program
November
Air Seychelles renews Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Seychelles and Air Seychelles Cargo introduces new “Personal Shopper Service”
December
Air Seychelles expands Codeshare with Alitalia and records 500,000 guests in 2015 and 180,000 on demostic flights
2016
February
Seychelles welcomes first Air Seychelles non-stop flight from Beijing and launches weekly “Faretastic” travel deals.Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways host top UniSey students on educational tour
March
Air Seychelles successfully pass the aviation safety audit. Air Seychelles completes move to Sabre technology Platform and introduces new menus onboard its flights. Air Seychelles announces upgrade to Antananarivo service to four-weekly effective 28 June
April
Air Seychelles takes home four prestigious World Travel Awards including ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’ for a third consecutive year and with Etihad, Air Seychelles supports the Seychelles Carnival 2016
May
Air Seychelles records net profitability in 2015 and with NIKI, Air Seychelles expand codeshare to offer more travel options between Vienna and Seychelles
June
Air Seychelles introduces new website features including web check-in, introduces major enhancements to its baggage policy, expands network reach to five continents with codeshare flights to São Paulo. Air Seychelles celebrate 40th National Day with spectacular aircraft flyover and supports rugby goodwill mission to the Seychelles and Madagascar
July
Air Seychelles brings Indian ocean islands closer to United States with new codeshare flights, launches the Air Seychelles Summer extravaganza. Air Seychelles and Air Serbia team up on codeshare flights to tropical islands and increases domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin
August
Air Seychelles launches a Seychelles dedicated Call Centre and has boosted partnership through expanded codeshare agreement with Air Madagascar
September
Air Seychelles commence daily flights to Bird Island
October
Air Seychelles launches stylish new amenity kits and fun packs in collaboration with Galileo
November
Air Seychelles announces major expansion in Europe and Indian Ocean in 2017 and expands its codeshare with Etihad Airways to Turkey. Air Seychelles refurbishes Vallée de Mai Premium Lounge
December
Air Seychelles celebrates new passenger record of 550,000 and Air Seychelles engineers graduate from world-class training programme with Etihad Airways
2017
January
Air Seychelles seals cooperation with the Seychelles Investment Board whereby they met with travel and trade representatives in Durban ahead of the launch of the twice weekly non-stop flights between the two countries
February
Air Seychelles expands Etihad Airways codeshare agreement to Japan and South African Airways announces new codeshare route with Air Seychelles from Seychelles to Durban
March
Air Seychelles introduce a dedicated office and sales team to support its trade partners in Europe. The Seychelles Round Table and Air Seychelles donate 100 water fountains to schools. Air Seychelles takes delivery of second Airbus A330 and commences fourth service to Paris, launches flights to Durban in South Africa and to German city of Düsseldorf and welcomes home new Twin Otter aircraft and promotes five Pilots to Captain
April
Air Seychelles achieves strong Q1 2017 results and announces appointement of Michael Berlouis as Chief Financial Offier
June
Air Seychelles introduces Creole music channels by DJ EZY D and the Cabin Crew Community hosts fun-filled day at School of Execeptional Child
July
Air Seychelles expands codeshare network to Beijing, further boosts connections from China with series of charter flights from Beijing, introduces state of the art Passenger Handling Technology at home airport, takes home four prestigious World Travel Awards at the 2017 WTA and renews partnership with Round Table Seychelles for the refurbishment of the School For The Exceptional Child
August
Air Seychelles launches new scenic flight product over Mahé and introduces new ambulift for guests with reduced mobility
September
Air Seychelles builds on French connection at Top Resa travel fair
November
Air Seychelles thrills 254 school children with full aircraft experience, Japha Ally appointed General Manager Human Resources at Air Seychelles and launches digital shopping catalogue for lounge guests
December
Air Seychelles brings Christmas cheer to kids at the President’s village, announces the appointment of Remco Althuis as interim CEO, resume flights to Madagascar in January 2018, cargo handling at its highest ahead of Christmas season, announces new charter flights between Chengdu and Seychelles and picks up SCCI award for innovation
2018
January
Air Seychelles hosts long service awards ceremony and announces business transformation plan to safeguard long-term profitability
February
Air Seychelles staff come together to clear Morne Blanc trail, hosted the tortoise sculpture exhibition at Seychelles International Airport and supports eco-friendly marathon 2018
March
Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways expand codeshare to Baku, expands online check-in to five new destinations, celebrates women's day with special female flight, Air seychelles and STB renew marketing partnership for 2018. Air Seychelles and SriLankan Airlines sign agreement for greater network access, welcomes Airbus test flight to Seychelles and announces 2018 summer schedule
April
Air Seychelles flies team Seychelles to Djibouti for CJSOI games. SHTA and Air Seychelles join hands to promote tourism establishments in Seychelles and expands codeshare network to Minsk
May
Air Seychelles seals partnership with Air Botswana and partners with Booking.com to provide accommodation options, increases Johannesburg flights to six per week, promotes eight Seychellois Pilots to Captain and announces the order of A320neo Airbus aircraft, introducing new resident fares for domestic travel and refreshed onboard product takes the skies
June
Air Seychelles enforces its domestic travel policy for expectant mothers and new born babies, introduces new resident fares for domestic travel, adds Maldives to its codeshare network, introduces new baggage policy on its regional network and made announcement of Senior Appointments at Air Seychelles
July
CDB Aviation Signs Lease Agreement for One A320neo Aircraft with Air Seychelles
August
Air Seychelles enhance guest experience on airseychelles.com, increases capacity to Johannesburg for the festive season. Air Seychelles moves Victoria Sales Office to new location, joins the Seychelles Tourism Board to celebrate Seychelles Month,
meet with travel and trade partners at new sales office location and participates in Holiday Expo
September
Air Seychelles joins the Seychelles Tourism Board three-city roadshow in India. Air Seychelles confirms the appointment of Remco Althuis as Chief Executive Officer, participates in #ilovekradioSeychelles radio competition and welcomes four new Seychellois jet fleet commanders
October
Air India and Air Seychelles sign new codeshare partnership.Air Seychelles seals Memorandum of Understanding with CINEC to extend training support in aircraft maintenance, increase visibility about ground services department at Seychelles Tourism Academy recruitment fair, hosting 120 school children onboard its Airbus A320 aircraft.Young aviation enthusiasts experience Air Seychelles scenic flight in Praslin. Air Seychelles Technical Operations hosts open day for SIT students. Seychelles Tourism and Air Seychelles Board hosts’ joint media conference in South Africa and Long-serving staff recognized at special awards ceremony
November
Air Seychelles join SIT recruitment fair
December
Air Seychelles extend support to SOS Children's Village in Mamelodi and flies professional golfers to home turf for the MCB Tour Championship Indian Ocean Swing
2019
January
Air Seychelles extend support to orphanages in Seychelles. Adding more flights to Johannesburg for the Easter holidays
February
Air Seychelles showcase at South Africa's biggest travel expo.
Operated seasonal flights to Antananarivo.
'Good Morning Britain' and 'Lorraine Show' TV crew flies Air Seychelles.
Air Seychelles flies endangered birds on a conservation mission.
March
Air Seychelles marks International Women’s Day with all female operation.
Air Seychelles ground handling and cargo business record strong performance in 2018.
Air Seychelles participates in BARSA aviation summit 2019.
April
Air Seychelles represented at Airline Planning Seminar in Kigali.
Air Seychelles hosts trade event in Madagascar.
Air Seychelles attends Africa's most leading travel and tourism market.
Air Seychelles kicks off a series of training in preparation for A320neo arrival.
May
Air Seychelles strengthen ties with travel trade partners in India.
Air Seychelles supports Veuve Special Reserve conservation programme.
Air Seychelles supports ‘Education – A Shared Responsibility’ programme.
Air Seychelles selects AirFi to offer new wireless streaming in-flight entertainment experience.
Air Seychelles attends Airbus airline lab sub - Saharan Africa 2019.
Air Seychelles celebrates International Flight Attendants Day.
June
Air Seychelles clinches Indian Ocean's Leading Airline - Economy class at prestigious World Travel Awards.
Air Seychelles welcomes 10th Indian Ocean Island games torch.
Air Seychelles present at 75th edition of IATA annual general meeting in Seoul.
Air Seychelles teams up with Seychelles Business Studies Academy to offer training opportunities.
Air Seychelles widens codeshare partnership with South African airways.
Air Seychelles broaden its presence at South Africa’s wedding exhibition.
August
Air Seychelles celebrates the arrival of Africa's first A320neo on hometurf.
First A320neo in Africa receives warm welcome in Mauritius upon landing.
Air Seychelles introduces Africa's first A320neo to the capital of Gauteng.
Air Seychelles reveals new cabin uniform and showcase A320neo interiors.
September
Air Seychelles invests in new equipment to support ground handling and cargo business.
Air Seychelles commits to reducing carbon footprint.
October
Air Seychelles introduces new concept to reduce waste onboard its aircraft.
Air Seychelles recognises long-serving staff for dedication to the airline.
Air Seychelles expands codeshare with South African Airways to New York.
November
Seychelles skies welcomes Tel Aviv inaugural non-stop flight.
December
Air Seychelles hosts top Israel media.
Air Seychelles marks five years in India.
Air Seychelles strengthens it's Seychellois leadership team.
Air Seychelles confirms delivery of second A320neo in 2020.
2020
January
Air Seychelles revises fuel surcharge for domestic travel
February
Air Seychelles prepares for delivery of 'Pti Merl Dezil'
Seychelles flourishes at India's largest travel market (OTM)
Air Seychelles' latest addition to be named 'Pti Merl Dezil' S7-PTI
Over one million passengers handled by Air Seychelles in 2019
Air Seychelles successfully renews IOSA certification
Air Seychelles celebrates its strong performance in 2019 after handling over one million passengers at the Seychelles International Airport.
March
Air Seychelles too delivery of its second A320neo aircraft registered ‘Pti Merl Dezil’.
Air Seychelles temporarily suspends all international flights across its regional network amidst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
April
Air Seychelles utilizes its jet fleet to operate a series of cargo flights amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain the import and export supply chain in the Seychelles.
June
Air Seychelles operates a series of repatriation flights to India, Dubai and Mauritius providing stranded visitors and Seychellois residents the chance to return home.
September
Air Seychelles announces limited resumption of services across its network.
October
Air Seychelles repatriates 496 Indian National as part of the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ in collaboration with Seychelles Indian Embassy.
Air Seychelles appoints Bird Travels Private Limited, India’s leading airline and travel representative company, as its General Sales Agent (GSA).
November
Air Seychelles wins three major accolades including the most coveted title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards.
Air Seychelles has adds Tel Aviv back to its route network following the successful restart of commercial passenger services between Israel and the Seychelles.
2021
March
Air Seychelles launches seasonal flights to Dubai.
April
Air Seychelles first charter flight from Bucharest lands in Seychelles.
May
Air Seychelles makes history by operating into the capital of New South Wales and, Sydney, as part of a special charter conducted on Sunday, 16 May, 2021.
June
Air Seychelles launches flights between Johannesburg and Maldives.
Seychelles Ministry of Transport appoints new acting chief executive (CEO), Captain Sandy Benoiton and acting chief financial officer (CFO), Tyrian Gendron at Air Seychelles.
Cargo records significant improvement in tonnage.
July
Air Seychelles records 95% load factor on flights operated between Dubai and the Seychelles during the peak Eid holiday period after having carried over 300 visitors to the Seychelles.
September
Mahe Shipping Company Limited and Air Seychelles Cargo successfully handles first transshipment
October
2021 Air Seychelles entered company reorganisation with the appointment of administrators in relation to the company on Tuesday, 5 October.
Air Seychelles scores another charter for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Air Seychelles won four highly-prized accolades the World Travel Awards (WTA), including the most coveted title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’ for the second consecutive year and ‘Indian Ocean's Leading Airline Lounge’ for the first time in history.