Air Seychelles has signed a lease agreement for two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, as the island nation’s flag carrier seeks to expand its long-haul offering.
Air Seychelles signs landmark Airbus A321XLR lease agreement
The airline signed a deal with lessor SMBC Ao of the narrow-bodies, to be delivered from 2028
Such was the importance of the deal to Air Seychelles – and indeed the country of 115 islands, situated in the Indian Ocean – that Tuesday’s ceremony was attended by the nation’s transport minister, Veronique Laporte, alongside representatives from the airline.
New aircraft to unlock non-stop routes beyond the airline’s current network
The A321XLR, Airbus’ latest-generation extended-range aircraft, is designed with a range of up to 4,700 NM and with a max seating capacity of up to 244 passengers.
That would put the islands in reach of major airports such as London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Perth International Airport in Australia.
The purchase is significant as it adds long-haul capabilities to the airline’s fleet for the first time.
While Air Seychelles has operated wide-body aircraft in the past – such as the Boeing 767-200 and Boeing 767-300, and the Airbus A330-200 – it currently does not have anything in its fleet that can reach beyond mid-range distances.
The carrier currently operates two Airbus A320neos, and five De Havilland Canada DHC-6-400 Twin Otters.
Long-haul expansion aims to strengthen tourism and business connectivity
Air Seychelles said the new leased aircraft would enable it to develop new routes that were previously beyond the airline’s operational reach, “which will create opportunities to strengthen direct connectivity with high-potential tourism and business markets”.
Commenting on the agreement, Sandy Benoiton, chief executive officer of Air Seychelles, said: “This agreement with SMBC A’ long-haul growth strategy and in the future connectivity of Seychelles
“The addition of two Airbus A321XLR aircraft will provide us with the range and flexibility required to expand our network beyond our traditional regional footprint and connect Seychelles more directly with key international
The carrier said the lease was expected to play an “important role in strengthening Seychelles’ position as a globally connected island destination” by improving access to more international markets and supporting the country’s tourism-driven economy.
The agreement comes as Air Seychelles prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027.
Benoiton added: “These aircraft will allow us to offer our passengers a newer and more modern travel experience, with enhanced comfort, improved efficiency, and a product aligned with international standards.
“As the national airline, this agreement reflects our commitment to responsible growth, stronger global connectivity, and long-term value creation for the people and economy of Seychelles.”
Commenting on the placement, Barry Flannery, chief commercial officer of SMBC Awe have in Air Seychelles’ growth strategy and the important role the A321XLR will play in extending its network
“We look forward to supporting the airline as it prepares to welcome these aircraft into service from 2028.”
Air Seychelles’ long-haul ambition with A320neo
The lack of a long-haul aircraft has not stopped the airline from attempting to connect Mahe with far-flung destinations.
In March, Air Seychelles announced plans to launch flights between the capital and Rome Fiumicino Airport on its Airbus A320neo.
The services will take up to 11-hours to complete according to the carrier’s booking website, including a stopover in Hurghada, Egypt.
Weeks earlier, the company revealed that it would be temporarily resuming services to Paris on a leased Etihad Airways Boeing 787.
Airbus’ record flight from the Seychelles
In 2018, Airbus operated its A321LR variant – which has a reduced range versus the XLR – on a record-breaking flight from Mahé in the Seychelles islands to Toulouse, France – covering a total distance of 4,750 nautical miles in 11 hours.
The flight was part of the A321LR’s 100-hour flight test and certification programme.
To make flight conditions as realistic as possible while evaluating cabin systems, the A321LR carried 162 human heat-replicating dummy passengers in addition to its 16-member test crew.
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