Air Seychelles takes delivery of Pti Merl Dezil

Air Seychelles has today announced that the airline has taken delivery of its new A320neo aircraft registered as ‘S7-PTI’.

Named Pti Merl Dezil, the aircraft landed in the Seychelles late in the evening on Thursday, 19 March 2020. The aircraft was commanded by two of the airline’s Jet Fleet pilots from Hamburg to the Seychelles via Abu Dhabi, where a brief stop for refuelling was made.

The arrival process in the Seychelles was carried out according to strict guidance of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and the Seychelles Department of Health.

Members on the flight included six staff from the Air Seychelles Technical Operations department, as well as two staff members from the SCAA. The team were in Hamburg to conduct the final inspection and acceptance of the aircraft.

Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “COVID-19 was non-existent when S7-PTI was ordered 18 months ago and we do understand that right now it is a critical time for all airlines globally, including for Air Seychelles.

“As the older plane is leaving the fleet, having a new generation of fuel efficient aircraft is very important in order to safeguard the economic operations once the business resumes back to normal.

“It is for that reason that it was important, that we took delivery of the new A320neo aircraft and Pti Merl Dezil will be part of Air Seychelles’ fleet of two A320neos.

“Whilst the demand for air travel and tourism to the Seychelles has significantly decreased due to COVID-19, the aircraft will be put to work to maintain strategic air links to the Seychelles, ensuring that critical supplies can still come in and it will also be available for repatriation flights should those be required.”

In adherence to the guidelines of the local Department of Health, the team has proceeded on 14 days quarantine upon arrival.

Dr. Jude Gedeon, Public Health Commissioner commented further: “All necessary precautions were taken by the staff to prevent infection whilst in Hamburg. The location where the staff will be accommodated in Seychelles has been verified by the Department of Health and is suitable for quarantine”.

Air Seychelles expresses its gratitude to the team for volunteering to take delivery of the aircraft, wishes them good health and looks forward to seeing them back at the workplace soon.