Press Release

Issued by Air Seychelles VIP.

October 25, 2013

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, in partnership with Royal Jet, an international luxury flight services provider from Abu Dhabi, today celebrated the launch of 'Air Seychelles VIP', Seychelles' first fixed base operation (FBO) at Seychelles International Airport, in a bid to attract the growing numbers of private aviation tourists to Seychelles.

Air Seychelles VIP will go beyond lounge facilities, to provide a range of aviation services at Seychelles International Airport, including securing landing permits, a follow me service, red carpet, meet and assist, monitoring of air traffic control slots, communication of weather situation/NOTAM, arrival and departure movement messages, coordination with fuel suppliers and arrangements for fuelling, air conditioning, engineering services and round-the-clock landing, parking and departure services.

Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles chief executive officer, said: “Air Seychelles VIP is the logical next step for our business, as we seek to diversify our business and attract new high yielding tourism segments to our archipelago.

Seychelles is fast becoming known as a high-end destination to a rising number of private aviation enthusiasts. Now in partnership with Royal Jet, we have the capability to place our new FBO on the global map and market the Seychelles internationally in a new dimension.”

“We look forward to creating a memorable travel experience for our vip guests, with our Creole warmth and hospitality for which we are known.”

All post and preflight procedures are available at the vip terminal, including baggage claims, customs and immigration, check-in and security control. Transfer to and from the aircraft will be provided by dedicated buggies.

The newly refurbished vip lounge, which has undergone a complete overhaul including rebranding, new landscaping and new interior décor to cater for a new exclusive higher class of service, boasts four executive rooms with a capacity of 55 guests and comes equipped with a free Wi-Fi service, cable television, and a wide selection of beverages and hot and cold foods. The lounge will also provide around the clock hostess services, dedicated ramp staff, and red carpet steps for the handling of vvips and diplomatic state guests on private jets, promotion of local culture and art, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Shane O' Hare, president and chief executive officer of the Royal Jet group, said the new FBO will provide year-round world-class bespoke luxury services to private aviation operators, vip, as well as corporate and leisure travellers to the end-destination.

“Working closely with Air Seychelles, Royal Jet will provide expertise in assisting to manage and promote the FBO in line with what we currently offer to royalty, heads of state and vip guests at our current FBO at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Our best practices over the years serving royalty will be replicated on the islands but will provide that local touch that makes Seychelles hospitality distinctive,” remarked Mr. O'Hare.

“Seychelles is increasingly becoming a year-long destination of choice by elite honeymooners, holiday seekers, as well as leisure and business travellers, and Air Seychelles VIP will provide them a service that will be un-paralleled in the region.”