Air Seychelles carries Queen's baton to Praslin |23 December 2021

Captain Jean Marc Barra, FO Kevin Payet and ground operations team at Mahe domestic terminal

Air Seychelles proudly hosted the Queen’s baton on board its Twin Otter aircraft in the early morning hours yesterday, on its journey from Mahe to Praslin.

Flight HM3070 commanded by captain Jean-Marc Barra and first officer Kevin Payet departed the Mahe domestic terminal at 7am carrying the Queen’s baton and key members of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) including its president Antonio Gopal and secretary general Alain Alcindor. Other members on the flight as part of the delegation comprised Norbert Dogley, Hebetty Alcindor and Loura Barra.

The Queen’s baton relay, launched in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on October 9, 2013 by the head of the Commonwealth, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is one of the most special aspects of the Commonwealth Games, celebrating diversity, community pride and the excitement of people through sports and culture. The baton, which has been specially designed, holds the Queen’s message to be read at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games set to be held in Birmingham.

The relay, now in its 16th edition currently being held in Praslin, passed through Vallée De Mai and Côte d’Or before proceeding to the island of La Digue in the late afternoon.

Air Seychelles acting chief executive Sandy Benoiton said: “We are very appreciative of the opportunity to have members of our team carry the Queen’s baton from Mahe to Praslin, ensuring a timely and safe arrival plus a great start of the relay, a tradition which is marked globally leading up to the commencement of the Commonwealth Games.

"We are delighted to extend our support to the local community in any way we can and I take this opportunity to wish the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association all the best throughout their tour across the islands. I am also happy that our staff members joined today’s (yesterday) event in Mahe and Praslin, to feel part of this unforgettable experience.”

Prior to departure from Mahe, Socga president Gopal seized the chance to express his gratitude to all partners including Air Seychelles, the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority and media partners for their support in making the baton’s inter-island journey possible.

The short ceremony held at the Mahe domestic terminal was also attended by visitors excited to witness this momentous occasion while waiting for their flight to Praslin.

Photos of the Queen’s baton journey on Praslin were taken by Romano Laurence.

Press release from Air Seychelles