National flag carrier Air Seychelles has signed a deal to lease a new Airbus A320neo from CDB Aviation Lease Finance, as the African airline continues to implement its fleet renewal plans.
The new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2019 and will help service high demand routes from the Indian Ocean to destinations including Johannesburg and Mumbai. The airline currently flies two A320-200s and five Viking Twin Otters.
Air Seychelles chief executive officer, Remco Althuis, said the completion of the lease agreement with CDB Aviation was “a significant milestone” for the airline, established in 1978. The carrier currently operates to international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Mumbai, as well as over 350 domestic scheduled flights a week. Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates is a strategic stakeholder with a 40% share in Air Seychelles.
Althuis added: “The new order will not only enable Air Seychelles to gradually replace its existing jet fleet with modern new aircraft, but it will also enable us to further strengthen the business by operating in a more efficient manner.”
Patrick Hannigan, chief commercial officer at CDB Aviation which is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, commented: “We are delighted to welcome our newest customer in Africa, Air Seychelles, and to support the carrier’s plan to renew its fleet and deliver increased efficiency to its regional network.” He added that the company looked forward to building a strong partnership that would advance the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
Hannigan added: “CDB Aviation is well positioned to support airlines in Africa’s fast-tracking aviation market to meet the region’s accelerating growth. Our robust orderbook for the most advanced and efficient aircraft, as well as our increasing global platform, offer African carriers avenues to further strengthen their businesses and ensure they meet demand and grow sustainably.”
Written by: Mark Thomas
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