Staff of Helicopter Seychelles gathered on Monday to welcome their second twin Agusta as it landed at the Pointe Larue airbase after a 14-day flight from the United Kingdom.

Former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, chief executive of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Gilbert Faure, executive director of Zil Air Francis Savy and chief executive of Air Seychelles Captain David Savy were among the guests to watch the arrival of the new addition to Helicopter Seychelles’ fleet.

Others present included Seychelles Tourism Academy principal Flavien Joubert, staff of Zil Air and trade partners.

The twin-engine Agusta 109C was flown from the UK by Captain Shaun Tinkler-Rose and co-piloted by Helicopter Seychelles’ managing director Fred Keeley.

The team travelled through several countries during an epic journey of 14 days, making their first Seychelles landfall on Alphonse island before flying to Mahe.

Helicopters are usually shipped to Seychelles, but to avoid delays the company decided to fly it here.

The second Agusta will bring a better service, development of the night-flight market and the ability to cater for larger groups.

Mr Keeley briefed those present about their flight experience from the UK to Seychelles, and the two pilots were then presented with certificates of recognition for the successful mission.

During the ceremony, Francis Savy announced a commercial joint venture between Zil Air and Helicopter Seychelles, describing it as another milestone in the advancement of Seychelles aviation.

“The landing of the second twin Agusta is testimony to our belief in the goal to improve services and deliver to market expectations,” he said.

Mr Savy said this demands great financial investment which has become important for the continued development of the infrastructure the tourism industry needs to remain at the forefront.

The helicopter industry is an important part of the tourism machine, and the joint venture will provide a service to match the increasingly sophisticated travellers’ demands, he added.

Mr Savy told those present: “It is the intention of Helicopter Seychelles and Zil Air’s joint venture not to be viewed as a monopoly.”

He asked for support and confidence in the new venture as it will provide more resources and better services.
The delivery of a safe and reliable service remains the top priority while ensuring the right financial investment is made to meet the demanding safety requirements as both companies are subject to the same regulations applied to all European carriers.

Mr Savy said the joint venture “will allow us to offer extended hours of services and, through a cross-range of equipment, best meet any requests”.

The finer details are still being discussed, but Mr Savy said by next month they will start with the first elements of this partnership – the centralisation of the reservation and operational systems, followed by the cross-training of aircrews.

Further integration of other elements, including engineering, will follow.

In the first phase, Helicopter Seychelles will retire three of its four Bell Jet Rangers, which have served the market for the last 15 years.

These will be replaced by Eurocopter EC 120s, one of the most modern light single-engine helicopters available.

Mr Savy said this type of helicopter has been a big hit with the Zil Air clientele and has proved to be the ultimate luxury product offering in its class.

A further aircraft will be acquired to complement the offering and meet the changing needs of visitors to Seychelles, he added.

The new venture will play an important role in the tourism industry, serving five-star hotels, island resorts and highly-valued clientele. It will also serve residents of Seychelles, help with medical evacuations and with fire-fighting operations.

The new management company will also focus on offering a consumer-centred approach to local and international suppliers, Mr Savy said.

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