Etihad Airways has made its maiden flight to the Seychelles. Yesterday, Thursday, an aircraft of the airline of the United Arab Emirates landed at Mahé International Airport for the first time. The aircraft of the inaugural flight EY622 was traditionally welcomed with a water fountain while the pilots waved the flags of the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Seychelles from the cockpit window as they landed. Advance bookings for the route, which will be operated four times a week with an Airbus A320 with two-class seating, are promising, especially for departures from the European network. Etihad Airways also launched its service between Abu Dhabi and Malé, the capital of the Maldives, on November 1, 2011. James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “There is already a good connection between Abu Dhabi and the Seychelles. With this new route, Etihad will help to make that relationship even stronger. The Seychelles has always been a popular destination among discerning leisure travelers, and global interest in the destination has grown steadily in recent years – not least due to the high-profile honeymoon of the heir to the British throne,” Hogan added. “We are delighted to bring Etihad Airways, a brand synonymous with excellence, to a destination that is appreciated around the world.” The flight schedule to the Seychelles offers a convenient afternoon arrival and a comfortable evening departure. Travelers from Europe will benefit from night flights via Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub, allowing travelers to enjoy a full day in the Seychelles. The Seychelles consist of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The 41 inner islands are the oldest mid-ocean granite islands in the world. They are surrounded by 74 other atolls and reef islands. The inner islands are mainly grouped around the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. These three main islands form the cultural and economic center of the Seychelles as well as the center of the tourism industry.
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