Air Seychelles adopts the new normal and sets new procedure for domestic travel

To streamline its domestic operations in adopting with the new normal, as a preventive measure against COVID-19, and following guidance from the Department of Health, Air Seychelles has started to implement several new procedures for guests travelling between Mahe and Praslin. 
  
As part of the new check-in procedure, guests will need to maintain social distancing when waiting in line and when handing over the necessary documents to the Guest Service Agent at the counter as per the demarcated floor signs. 
  
Since the screening of baggage at the Praslin Domestic Airport differs from the procedure in Mahe, all guests travelling from Praslin to Mahe will need to abide to the specific screening baggage guidelines prior to proceeding to the check-in counter. 
  
In line with the international aviation safety regulations and standards of operations, all guests in the departure lounge awaiting for their flight will be invited to maintain social distancing when viewing the dedicated safety video briefing, including when proceeding to and from the Twin Otter aircraft on the ramp from the domestic terminal. 
  
A new sequence for boarding has also been implemented and following announcement conducted by the Guest Service Agent on duty, guests will be advised to proceed to the aircraft as per their assigned seats in numerical order starting from row 1 to row 7. 
  
In adherence with the guidelines from the health authorities, as a preventive measure against COVID-19, all guests will need to firstly wash or sanitize their hands prior to boarding.  
 
Consequently, guests will also need to wear their own surgical or approved reusable mask once advised by the Guest Service Agent. The mask is a mandatory requirement and must be kept throughout the 15 minutes flight.  
  
Upon arrival in Mahe or Praslin, passengers must dispose the used mask at the designated area of the airport and adopt good hygiene protocol by sanitizing or washing their hands after disembarkation.

Vania Larue, Head of Ground Operations said: “The safety of our guests and crew is of paramount importance and in adapting with the new normal it is now a mandatory requirement for all guests to wear a mask or protective cover over their mouth and nose when travelling on the Twin Otter aircraft, as a prevention against COVID-19. 
  
“We are recommending guests to purchase their own masks and to also use the facilities readily available at airport to wash or sanitize their hands.” 
  
Stressing on the importance of the health and safety of the guests as well as the crew, Air Seychelles will be disinfecting and cleaning all Twin Otter aircraft thoroughly after each arrival of the flight. 
  
In addition, as a precautionary measure the staff members including inflight crew will also be wearing masks and gloves during check-in of guests as well as when conducting special medevac inter island flights.