Top flight welcome for Air Seychelles' new 'baby'
The third Airbus for Air Seychelles has made a grand entrance.
As it taxied on to the tarmac at Victoria International airport, the aircraft – the airline's first A320 – was given a water cannon salute.
Then President Michel cut the ribbon to officially welcome the jet, called Amirantes, to the Air Seychelles fleet.
He spoke of the pride everyone in the country felt at the arrival of the Airbus, in particular that of the Seychellois airline's air and ground staff. He said: “I congratulate them for making our airline a success and hope they will continue to keep it a success so that it continues to grow in the future.”
The aircraft is worth £60million (1333million Seychellois rupees). Joel Morgan, Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, said Air Seychelles has turned itself around since 2012 and was now taking steps to position itself as a carrier of excellence in the Indian Ocean.
Other guests at the ceremony included former President James Mancham and Vice-President Danny Faure.