Etihad Airways' inaugural flight to the Republic of the Seychelles touched down at the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé this afternoon.
Flight EY622 was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute, as the pilots waved the flags of the United Arab Emirates and Republic of the Seychelles from the cockpit windows.
Forward bookings for the route, which will operate four times per week via a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, are strong, particularly from points of origin in the airline's European network.
Etihad Airways also commenced daily services yesterday, November 1, between Abu Dhabi and Malé, the capital of The Republic of the Maldives.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' Chief Executive Officer, said: "The ties between Abu Dhabi and the Seychelles are already strong, and with this new route, Etihad Airways can help to make that relationship stronger.
"The Seychelles has long been a favourite destination among discerning leisure travellers, and global interest in the destination has been building in recent years, particularly following the much-publicized Royal Honeymoon.
"I am thrilled to bring Etihad Airways, a brand recognized for worldwide excellence, to a destination admired by travellers the world over."
Etihad's schedule offers an attractive afternoon arrival and evening departure and European travellers can take advantage of overnight flights through Abu Dhabi in both directions, offering them a full extra day in the Seychelles.
The Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, located off of the east coast of Africa. The 41 inner islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, with another 74 islands forming the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the outer islands. The inner islands cluster mainly around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, forming the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre of its tourism industry.
Etihad Holidays has a range of holiday options selected from the most spectacular of the 115 pristine, paradise islands of the Seychelles. Offering experiences for all budgets, Etihad Holidays can create packages for any type of traveller, whether it is for honeymooners or families, sun worshippers or divers. Packages include flights, hotel accommodation, island transfers and any number of the many tours and excursions on offer. For more information, call 800 2324 or visit an Etihad shop for more details.
-Ends-
About Etihad
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 86 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America (New York, Chicago and Toronto), with a fleet of 63 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.etihadairways.com
For more information contact:
Kelsey Paquin, Corporate Communications Manager
Etihad Airways
Mob: +97150 642 5910
Dir: +971 (0) 2 511 1041
Email: kpaquin@etihad.ae
© Press Release 2011
