Marisa Garcia Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has reported a strong first half-year 2014 (H1), with double digit revenue growth, and increased passenger and cargo numbers, which, the airline indicates, validates its business strategy.
The airline posted total revenues of US$50 million, and increase of 20% over the same period for 2013 (US$42 million ). Air Seychelles carried 184,101 passengers in the first six months of the year, a 25% increase over 2013 (146,980 passengers), and raised capacity, Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs), 46% to 727.4 million in H1 (from 496.7 million in the same period 2013).
Praslin-Mahé continues to be the airline’s busiest route, with 71,961 passengers flying to and from Seychelles’ second largest island. Abu Dhabi is the airline’s second busiest route with 49,934 passengers carried, which represents a substantial year-to-year increase of 90%. These destinations are followed in volume by Hong Kong with 24,142 passengers (up 73%); Johannesburg 22,218 passengers (up 29%); and Mauritius 15,846 passengers (up 14%). Average seat load factors for the period were at nearly 60% across the network in H1, up 8.5% from last year, with Q2 seat occupancy reaching 73%.
The airline’s cargo operations also reflected strong growth for the first half of 2014. Air Seychelles carried 3,520 tonnes of cargo in H1, an increase of 35% over the same period last year (2,505); and domestic cargo services went up 172% from 8.4 tonnes to 13.2 tones.
Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, said of the latest financial reporting:
Our strong performance in the first half of 2014, and growth in revenue, passenger and cargo figures, reflects the continued success of our business model, our partnership with Etihad Airways, and the hard work and dedication of our staff.
Overall it continues to be a tough operating environment for many airlines, but we are confident our strategy will continue to allow us to drive quality revenue, enhance the guest experience, while being a catalyst for boosting trade and tourism into Seychelles.
In December, we will introduce non-stop flights to Mumbai, Dar es Salaam and Antananarivo, which along with Paris, will bring to four the number of routes coming online in 2014, the fastest expansion in our airline’s history.
Air Seychelles is therefore focused, and we are on track for a third year of profitability.
Featured Image: A330-200 Air Seychelles
