Air Seychelles is “launch customer” for new Twin Otter DHC6–400 |02 April 2007
Both aircraft are expected to join the Air Seychelles' inter-island fleet during the first
According to a communiqué from the national airline, the Twin Otter has and still is the most versatile aircraft in its class and is perfectly adapted to our local operating conditions, noting that Air Seychelles has been operating this type of aircraft as far back as 1987 and has been the backbone of its domestic fleet for the past two decades.
“It is therefore fitting that Air Seychelles has been chosen as one of the launch customers of the newer version of the Twin Otter. The current 20-seater DHC-6 300 aircraft will be upgraded with state-of-art technology, more powerful engines and improved landing gears and propellers. The new type will be classed as a DHC-6 – 400,” says the communiqué.
Commenting on the move to purchase the new aircraft, Air Seychelles’ chairman & chief executive, Captain David Savy, says: “We have been seeking the replacement of our Twin Otter DHC6 Series 300 fleet for some time now and we were looking at an aircraft which could meet the peculiarities of our demanding domestic operations. We fly very short sectors, land on rugged, short landing airstrips and operate in a saline and humid environment.. This is very challenging for our technical and maintenance crew.“
“The current Twin Otter DHC6 Series 300 aircraft is an ideal and robust aircraft adapted to inter-island operations of Air Seychelles. We faced a lot of difficulty in finding a suitable replacement to the Twin Otter DHC6 Series-300. For some years now we have been urging the manufacturers to re-commence production. Fortunately a private company, Viking Air has taken-up the challenge,” Captain Savy adds.
Negotiations between Air Seychelles and Viking Air Limited, a company based in British Columbia, Canada began five months ago on the acquisition of the newer version of the Twin Otter, which has the national airline amongst its list of launch customers for the new aircraft.
Noting that Air Seychelles has confirmed its order for the two brand new aircraft and has already paid deposits, the communiqué says that the company is confident in being able to generate sufficient funds internally to meet the cost of the aircraft which will be in excess of US $6.5 million.
The serial numbers of the aircraft are 846 and 847 respectively.
Air Seychelles’ has also taken an option for a third DHC6 Series – 400 for delivery during the same period in 2009 but this is at the discretion of Air Seychelles to exercise this option.
“This will depend on how well the domestic sector performs as well as the company’s ability to generate sufficient profits to fund new aircraft deliveries,” says the communiqué.
It is to be noted that Air Seychelles is also taking delivery of two brand new B787-800’s in 2010.