The new generation aircraft which forms part of the airlines plan to refresh its fleet, will generate unbeatable efficiency, lowest operating costs and will significantly reduce environmental footprint.

Equipped with 12 Business and 156 Economy Class seats, similarly to the current A320neo aircraft, the latest addition to the fleet will also be named after one of Seychelles critically endangered bird, as part of the airline’s commitment to raise awareness about the protection of the Seychelles ecosystem and its endemic species.

In addition to providing increased capacity across the airlines network, the newest acquisition will further improve the operational performance of the airline, allowing better schedule flexibility within the overall flight programme, especially when conducting the aircraft allocation plan according to a specific route, apart from standardizing the galley equipment on board the aircraft.

Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “The delivery of the second A320neo aircraft, will complete an integral part of the Air Seychelles business transformation plan, related to the entire refresh of the airlines jet fleet.

“Besides operating the most technologically advanced aircraft in the region, in 2020, Air Seychelles will also maintain the youngest fleet of modern aircraft in the Indian Ocean, thus positioning itself as the airline of choice in the region.

“For the past three months, the overall on-time-performance of the current fleet has been operating at 83 per cent and by next year with the arrival of the second A320neo aircraft, we expect this performance to improve significantly.”

In August 2019, Air Seychelles became the first airline to take delivery and operate the first A320neo aircraft in Africa.

Following a successful three months of operation and having completed 298 flights, to date, the new aircraft has generated 20 per cent fuel savings on average per flight, with approximately 50 per cent reduced noise footprint and nitrogen oxides (N0x).

Inspired by the calm blue ocean of the archipelago, the stylish new uniform seen in the aisles of the modern A320neo and current A320ceo aircraft comprises of an elegant turquoise ensemble reflecting the natural landscape and surrounding of the island’s ecosystem.

The unique omate scarf and tie, designed by Alyssa Adams one of the best local artists in Seychelles, has been enthused by rays of the tropical sunlight glazing unto the flamboyant lily flowers gently floating on a rippled pond depicting the movement of the sea. Capturing the natural colours of nature, the vibrant scarf also portrays the unique values, warmth, and culture of the Seychellois hospitality.

The exquisite shades of the Air Seychelles brand palette has also been incorporated in both the Economy and Business Class Cabin of the new Airbus A320neo aircraft featuring 168 seats.

Economy Class features the Collins Aerospace Meridian seat, with a dark aqua 18-inch wide cushion for prime comfort. Each seat entails USB chargers as well as a high literature pocket. The Collins Aerospace MiQ seat was selected for Business Class, featuring burgundy seats paired with a sophisticated shade of grey, ergonomic reclining positions, a large storage space console and power outlets in each seat providing a superior passenger experience.

To bring a fresh and modern look into the aircraft, the Business and Economy Class seats have been adorned with a soft abstracted design of the tropical Hibiscus flower showcasing the important concept of conservation for a greener Seychelles.

The cabin of the Air Seychelles A320neo has been designed by LIFT Strategic Design, an airline design specialist agency experienced in brand, livery, cabin, uniform and customer experience development.

Charles Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Seychelles said: “As it is the first time in over 18 years that Air Seychelles has taken delivery of a brand new aircraft, we took the opportunity to completely immerse the sights, smell and tastes of the Seychelles into the interior design of the aircraft.

“These key elements allow our guests to experience our unique island culture from the moment they embark the aircraft and we are very happy with the work completed by LIFT Strategic Design, who took our concept and turned it into one of the most visually appealing, unique cabin environments on the globe.”

Daniel Baron, Managing Director of LIFT’s Strategic Design explained: “Our inspiration for the cabin was the stunning natural beauty of the Seychelles, and the spirit of its people, who are proud of their airline and the warm hospitality they provide.

“Our goal was to design a cabin that was unmistakably Air Seychelles, using its beautiful palette of blue, green and red.

“In Business Class, the elegant fabric with a 3D texture lend a high-end resort feeling, while in Economy Class, the colour contrast found in the sparkling sea of Seychelles create a vibrant tropical ambience. The front and rear walls of the cabin featuring an elegant gradient from yellow to blue evokes the rays of a tropical sun over the Seychelles crystal waters.

“My partner Aaron Yong and I are honoured to have worked with Air Seychelles and its highly professional team. Much passion went into the tiniest details of the cabin designs. With affection and gratitude, we hope the new cabins serve them well for many years.”

Named “Veuve” after the most critically endangered bird commonly known as the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, the single-aisle aircraft registered as S7-VEV comprised of 12 Business Class and 156 Economy Class seats.

Touching down at the Seychelles International Airport “Veuve” was welcomed by a ceremonial water-cannon salute witnessed by high-level government dignitaries, stakeholders, members of travel and trade as well as media partners.

The ferry flight, which departed Hamburg, Germany on 1 August in the evening made a short stopover in Abu Dhabi before proceeding to the Seychelles.

Addressing the guests during the welcoming ceremony held at the airlines’ VIP Lounge, the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud, said: “Today is indeed a marvelous moment for our national airline, as Air Seychelles becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate Airbus’ brand new A320neo aircraft. Our nation celebrates with you.

“The arrival of “Veuve” definitely marks the start of a new chapter in the development of the national airline as the increase seat capacity available on the aircraft, will enable Air Seychelles to continue delivering significant contribution towards both the growth of tourism and the Seychelles economy.”

“Carrying the vibrant colors of Air Seychelles, we are very proud to introduce the first A320neo in Africa” said Hadi Akoum Airbus Vice President, Sales for Sub-Sahara Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

“The A320neo will allow Air Seychelles to increase capacity on its network, while delivering significant fuel savings and reducing the airlines’ operating costs”

Sharing his excitement with the audience, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Remco Althuis said: “The arrival of “Veuve” marks an important milestone in the history of Air Seychelles and following the intense preparation that started since 2017, today we are beyond proud to see the beautiful livery of Air Seychelles on the first A320neo in Africa.

“Reflecting the latest travel trends, the new generation aircraft will offer guests a comfortable experience, with access to seyStream wireless inflight entertainment platform, combined with the unique Creole warmth and hospitality of our dedicated Cabin Crew to strengthen Air Seychelles travelling proposition.”

It was over 18 years ago in 2001 that Air Seychelles took delivery of a new aircraft. The Boeing 767-300ER which was registered as S7-ASY is currently being operated by Air Canada Rouge.