Air Seychelles, yesterday become the first airline in the Indian Ocean and Africa to take delivery of the Airbus A320neo aircraft, for its international fleet.

The delivery flight, which departed Hamburg, Germany Thursday evening, commanded by Captain Nicole Chang-Leng and First Officer Steven Jasmin, made a stopover in Abu Dhabi before proceeding to the Seychelles, under the command of Captain Hervé Morel and First Officer Samuel Lautee.

Named 'Veuve' with the registration number as S7-VEV, the brand new aircraft touching down at the Seychelles International Airport and was welcomed by a ceremonial water-cannon salute.

Air Seychelles first Airbus A320neo is configured with a total of 168 seats including 12 Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats.

Powered by the new-generation LEAP-1A engine, the new A320neo jetliner featuring fuel-saving wingtip devices known as sharklets is one of the worlds most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.

It was over 18 years ago in 2001 that Air Seychelles took delivery of a new aircraft. The Boeing 767-300ER which was registered as S7-ASY is currently being operated by Air Canada Rouge.

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