The Ethiopian Airlines landed at the Seychelles International Airport from its hub in Addis Ababa yesterday afternoon to launch the first of its four-weekly flights here.

Present to welcome the airline’s chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam – who was also onboard the flight – were the Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange and the Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) chief executive Elsia Grandcourt. The chairman of the STB Barry Faure was also there as well as other of its representatives.

Also onboard this ET879 flight – which got the water canon salute upon its arrival, a ceremony reserve at the international airport for all inaugural flights – were 80 passengers including representatives from 12 travel agents.

These agents are based in Ethiopia and their representatives are here on a familiarisation trip.

Local band Fek Arive was also in the arrival lounge to welcome them with some traditional dances and music.

In a press conference at the airport, Mr Gebremariam said this is a very important route for Ethiopian (Airlines) as it is connecting Europe, Asia and United States with Seychelles.
He said they wanted to start the flight in November last year but needed more time to make preparations.

“Seychelles is a very popular tourist destination for Europeans and Americans as well as the Middle East and now we also have Chinese coming to this beautiful country.”

“Back in January we had one plane full of Chinese tourists who came here on our first flight,” he added.

Mrs Grandcourt said the arrival of the Ethiopian Airlines to Seychelles is something very positive as it is opening other avenues for us especially cutting into the Chinese market.

Seychelles is the 41st destination in Africa served by the Ethiopian and 65th worldwide. The flight schedule to Seychelles is on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Forrás: www.nation.sc