Air Seychelles to acquire second Shorts 360 aircraft-More seats,better comfort expected on local flights |25 November 2005

This follows the signing by the local airline of a Letter of Intent with the UK-based BAC Leasing Company for the purchase of a second 36-seater Shorts SD 360-300 aircraft.

The introduction of the second Shorts 360 aircraft to Air Seychelles’ inter-island fleet is seen as another major investment in providing more seating capacity to Praslin and is aimed to further improve the comfort of the Mahe – Praslin flights, says a communiqué from the local airline.

Air Seychelles’ chief executive and chairman, Captain David Savy, said : “The new Shorts 360 will definitely increase seating capacity and also provide better comfort and luggage space. This is in line with the increase in visitor numbers being experienced in Seychelles and the demand of capacity to coincide with international flight movements.”

“The acquisition of a second Shorts 360 is a significant step for our domestic operation and it demonstrates that Air Seychelles is looking towards delivering a higher standard of customer service. Likewise the addition of a further 36 seats in our fleet equates to an increase of 38% in capacity,” Captain Savy added.

The aircraft will undergo a complete refurbishment and painting in Air Seychelles colours before departing UK for Seychelles.

The Shorts 360 aircraft has a record for providing several airlines worldwide with a hard-working, reliable and low cost service for years. This type of aircraft has been designed for short-route sectors which do not require a pressurised cabin. It has a reputation for being a unique regional aircraft which offers more interior space for passengers. In comparison to the 20-seater Twin Otters of which Air Seychelles has three, it can also carry significantly more baggage per passenger.

The new Shorts 360 aircraft has a retractable undercarriage, is propelled by six-bladed Hartzell propellers and powered by two Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines. The seating configuration (two seats-aisle- and one seat) is identical to the current Shorts 360 aircraft acquired in September 2002.

The second Shorts 360 aircraft is planned to enter Air Seychelles’ domestic operations once all formalities regarding registration and airworthiness are completed.