Indian community welcomes new Seychelles-Chennai air service - 04.09.2010
Seychelles has a large Indian community, which is well integrated in the local way of life, and many of them are active in the country’s economic development as businessmen and traders.
Asked about the new air service, most of them have described it as a welcome move and some have gone as far as to say it was long overdue.
Well-known businessman R. Pillay said: “As you know, in business time is of the essence so a direct flight to India really suits me. This way I do not have to waste expensive time in transit or changing from one plane to another.
“This usually brings with it much hassle such as reboarding and not getting the seat you want, or having your luggage lost, or even flight delays. Now with a direct service, at least it is only one journey, one check-in procedure and less time wasted.”
These feelings were echoed by Mr Ramani from Grocer’s Supermarket.
“Multiple stops and transits are so tiring, and this service is one that many of us have wanted to have for a long time now,” he said.
“We are glad that it will materialise soon. It will make things so much simpler for all of us who have to travel between the two countries. Our two peoples are already close, and with a direct flight our countries will be more easily accessible to one another.”
However, Mr Ramani said if in future Air Seychelles were to increase the frequency of flights to Chennai to at least twice a week, this would bring an even bigger advantage.
“As it is, while the direct flight can save us up to one day in time spent on the journey, if a person is travelling to India, say, for a business matter that takes about three days, the weekly flight is not an option. But if it were to be twice a week, then it would be the ideal choice for us all.”
This suggestion was echoed by other businessmen. However, the group that seems to stand to benefit the most are building contractors, who bring in large number of workers from India. Those interviewed all said they expect it to be much more cost-effective for them and less strenuous for all concerned.
It is not only the Indian community that has welcomed the news. Seychellois who travel to India are also looking forward to the new direct flight.
Giselle is a young mother who recently had to go to Chennai for medical treatment for a serious condition. She says that having to change planes was very hard on her as she was so ill and a direct flight would have been that much less stressful for her.
“It will also make it easier for the hospital to prepare patients for the journey,” she said.
Meanwhile, Air Seychelles has confirmed that a number of bookings for the new service have already come in. The airline is reminding its clients that the promotional offer on the Seychelles-Chennai route is open until September 21.