aTP- Arab tourism portal News-The Seychelles’ national airline is now offering ‘scenic flights’ in a bid to offer more products especially for tourists holidaying in the island nation.
Air Seychelles’ panoramic flights at low altitudes will allow guests to experience a bird’s eye view of some of the most beautiful spots of the Seychelles’ main island Mahé.
The 30-minute flight departing the Seychelles International Airport, is designed to take guests on a tour of either North Mahé or South Mahé.
On the North Mahé tour for example, Cerf Island, Moyenne and Ste Anne islands will be visible to the right. The flight then continues past the capital of Victoria, following the coastline around the northern point of Mahé to Beau Vallon beach. Heading past Anse Major, the Baie Ternay marine park and Port Launay, it also provides unparalleled views of the Morne Seychellois national park, before circling back at Grand Anse beach.
Air Seychelles said the airline has received the cooperation of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority to develop the ‘scenic flights’ by assisting to design the low altitude routes.
The airline is also working with the travel trade and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) who will be key distributors of the new product.
A group of travel agents and representatives from the tourism industry were in fact the first to board the inaugural scenic flight on Wednesday August 16 and they were taken on a scenic tour of South Mahé.
Guests wanting to avail of the experience can book their scenic flights with the local DMCs as well as directly with Air Seychelles.
Air Seychelles’ Head of Sales for the Home Market, Mrs. Kathleen Payet said the scenic flights which have to be booked 24 hours in advance will be sold on a charter basis instead of selling individual seats as is the case for normal flights.
“We are targeting large groups who before had to charter two or three helicopters for such scenic flights, including guests from cruise ship who are very eager to embark on such experiences,” said Mrs Payet.
The scenic flights using a Twin Otter DHC-6 400 aircraft with 19 seats among which 11 are window seats, can be available daily between 1.30 pm to 3.00pm based on demand and the DMCs can also choose to have a guide accompany the guests on the scenic tours.
Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Roy Kinnear said the experience will allow travellers to appreciate the unparalleled beauty of Seychelles from a whole new angle.
“Flying at a low altitude on a Twin Otter aircraft, our service will provide breath-taking views of many famous sights and landmarks of north Mahé, from stunning beaches to the verdant rolling hills of the national park, all framed by the Indian Ocean,” said Mr Kinnear.
Air Seychelles is confident that the new scenic flights will appeal to both international visitors and residents looking to explore Seychelles from the air.
