AIR
SEYCHELLES LAUNCHES REGIONAL CARGO OPERATIONS
Victoria,
June 19, 2003 - Air Seychelles launched its regional
cargo operations with the arrival of its leased Antonov-12
cargo aircraft today from Nairobi.
The
setting up of the regional cargo operations is aimed towards
increasing cargo capacity from South Africa and Kenya to the
Seychelles to cater for the needs of the Seychelles market.
In addition,
the launching of the cargo operations by Air Seychelles is
aimed towards the gradual development of a regional cargo network.
In line with that strategy, the Antonov 12F aircraft will proceed
onwards from Seychelles to the Comores carrying cargo connecting
from the inbound Air Seychelles flight from Paris.
Air
Seychelles' General Manager Freight Services, Mr. Majid Allibhaye,
has said "Air cargo operations are very important for
the Seychelles market. Air Seychelles is committed to cargo
operations and the lease of the Antonov 12F aircraft is aimed
towards providing the country with maximum support in the area
of freight. The national airline is also aiming towards developing
Seychelles as a regional cargo hub in the Indian Ocean region".
The
weekly cargo service operated by Air Seychelles would see an
intensified regional cargo network between Africa and Seychelles
whereby some 14 tonnes of cargo will be air freighted between
Nairobi and Seychelles, and 6 tonnes of cargo between Seychelles
and Comores.
The
national airline has leased the Antonov-12 cargo carrier from
the Nairobi-based Astral Aviation Ltd. The company is also
a dynamic freighter operator providing cargo operations throughout
Africa and the Indian Ocean region with onward worldwide connections.
It operates a number of freighter aircraft in the region, namely
McDonnell Douglas DC8F and Lockheed Tristar L1011.
The
Air Seychelles -leased cargo carrier will arrive Mahe from
Nairobi on Thursdays and depart for the Comores.
