Today the Seychelles International Airport welcomed Switzerland based Edelweiss Air, the third European carrier to start operation to the well sought after tourism destination.
It is also the first time that a Swiss airline operates a flight to Seychelles, with its exotic islands, glorious granitic rocks and clear blue waters which will no doubt have much attractions for the adventurous Swiss tourists.
It was in November last year that Edelweiss announced its operation to the Seychelles Islands. Edelweiss flies to over 70 destinations in 34 countries around the world.
This was great news to the local aviation authority and tourism industry as Europe is the country’s top market and Edelweiss will further tap into this continent and beyond. In 2017, a total of 217,401 European tourists travelled to the archipelago amongst which 12,422 were Swiss.
Edelweiss Airbus A340-300 with 314 seats, touched down in Seychelles at 10am with 290 passengers on board. The aircraft with its red and blue livery has 27 lie-flat business class seats and 76 economy seats.
As customary the new comer was welcomed by the water canon salute upon its arrival. The event to mark the inaugural flight was graced by the presence of the Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Mr Maurice Loustau Lalanne ( former Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation), who also played a part in the negotiation. Minister Loustau-Lalanne was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr Garry Albert. Also present to witness this important milestone in the aviation history of both countries were the General Consulate for Seychelles in Zurich – HC Dr. Otto Carl Meier and Consul Swiss Embassy for Madagascar, Comores and Seychelles, Ms Sabine Jenkins. The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority’s Chief Executive Mr Gilbert Faure and Edelweiss Air Chief Executive Mr Berned Bauer amongst other guests were also there.
Edelweiss Air, an affiliate of Swiss International Airlines and member of the Lufthansa Group is operating from its hub in Zurich – the largest city in Switzerland which is also the global centre for banking and finance.
For the Seychellois travellers the 9-hour direct flight to Switzerland will bring them closer to the mountainous European country – home to the high peaks of Alps, rivers and charming villages, not forgetting the world’s reknown chocolate factories.
The Swiss airline, is offering a one weekly non-stop service to Seychelles on Sundays, arriving at 6am and departing at 10:25pm.