Seychelles marked an exciting milestone on Tuesday morning as the first Sichuan Airlines charter flight from Chengdu, China, touched down at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé. Announced in June 2024, this direct, non-stop connection links the tropical paradise of Seychelles with Chengdu, the dynamic capital of Sichuan province, opening new horizons in tourism and trade.
The inaugural flight carried 268 passengers, including Mr. Wang Qian, Deputy Mayor of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, and other high-ranking officials from Chengdu who are visiting Seychelles for an economic exchange event in partnership with the Ministry for Investment.
The flight’s arrival was celebrated in grand style, with a special water cannon salute at Seychelles International Airport.
Tourism Seychelles, together with the Seychelles Ministry for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) hosted a vibrant Creole welcome for the passengers upon arrival. Passengers were greeted with colourful flower garlands, traditional music, and lively dance performances, setting the perfect tone for their stay in Seychelles.
Among the dignitaries present to welcome the flight were the Minister for Tourism and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde; the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, Mrs. Devika Vidot; and the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, alongside the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Ms. Lin Nan, who emphasised the importance of this new connection for Seychelles.
Speaking at the event, Minister Radegonde expressed his delight at the successful launch of the Chengdu-Seychelles flight, “I am truly pleased to witness this milestone. The last direct flight to China was over six years ago when Air Seychelles operated this route. This achievement is the result of tremendous efforts by the Government of Seychelles, the private sector, the tourism department, the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and our partners in Chengdu. Special thanks go to the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles and the Chengdu authorities for their invaluable support. This charter flight highlights Seychelles’ commitment to enhancing air connectivity, providing Chinese travellers with a seamless gateway to the island nation.”
In addition to the visitors aboard the flight, Tourism Seychelles also welcomed a group of agents, and media delegation currently in the country for a familiarisation (FAM) trip, aimed at showcasing the unique charm of Seychelles to their audience back home.
Together with the visiting passengers on this inaugural flight, Seychelles has to date welcomed approximately 2,656 visitors from China. While the return flight is scheduled for Saturday, discussions are already underway to establish a regular route between Seychelles and Chengdu, further boosting tourism and fostering economic collaboration.
