Royal Jet develops FBO in Seychelles

The new FBO is being developed in association with Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles which is part-owned by Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier.
In what is Royal Jet’s first FBO operation outside of the region, the first FBO facility in the Seychelles ushers in a new era for the private jet operator’s FBO expertise which showcases the demand for the high level of luxury and business aviation services beyond the UAE borders.
Air Seychelles has also taken over the commercial and operational management of the VIP lounge located at the Seychelles International Airport. The lounge and the new FBO will be named ‘Air Seychelles VIP’.
Royal Jet president and CEO Shane O’Hare said Air Seychelles VIP will provide year-round world-class bespoke luxury services to private aviation operators, VIP, corporate and leisure travellers to the end-destination. “Working closely with Air Seychelles, Royal Jet will manage the FBO in line with what we currently offer to royalty, heads of state and VIP guests at our current FBO at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Our best practices over the years serving royalty will be replicated on the Islands but providing the local touch that makes Seychelles hospitality distinctive.
“Seychelles is increasingly becoming a year-long destination of choice by elite honeymooners, holiday seekers and leisure travellers besides business travellers and our FBO will provide them a service that will be unparalleled on the Islands.”
With tourism growth from the Middle East expected at an average 6 per cent this year and growing numbers from Europe, the Far East, South Africa and Russia, Seychelles is fast becoming known as a high-end tourist destination.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles CEO, said: “Air Seychelles VIP is the logical next step for our business, as we seek to diversify our business and attract new high yielding tourism segments to our archipelago.
“Seychelles is fast becoming known as a high-end destination to a rising number of private aviation enthusiasts. Now in partnership with Royal Jet, we have the capability to place our new FBO on the global map and market the Seychelles internationally in a new dimension.
“We look forward to creating a memorable travel experience for our VIP guests, with our Creole warmth and hospitality for which we are known.”
The ‘Air Seychelles VIP’ will go beyond just the lounge facilities and will include ground handling facilities to private jets and fast track services whilst offering an increase in the level of service of world class standards to guests who use this VIP facility.
Among the several services to be handled by Air Seychelles VIP will be landing permits, aircraft marshalling, Follow Me service, red carpet, meet and assist, monitoring of Air Traffic Control slots, communication of weather situation/NOTAM, arrival and departure movement messages, arranging refuelling support and coordination with fuel suppliers, provision for use of a headset, start-up signal, and the provision of safety cones and chocks.
Other services will also include air-conditioning engineering services and round-the-clock landing, parking and departure with no slot restrictions. All post and preflight procedures are available at the VIP terminal, including baggage claims, customs and immigration, check-in and security control. Transfer to and from the aircraft will be provided where required, by dedicated buggies.
The new VIP lounge boasts four executive rooms with a capacity of 55 guests at a time and is equipped with free Wi-Fi service and Cable television, hot and cold foods as well as a selection of beverages. It will also provide lounge hostess services, dedicated ramp staff, red carpet steps for the handling of VVIP’s and Diplomatic State Guests on private jets, promotion of local culture and art on a 24 hour service, seven days a week basis.
With at least three big hotels expected to open in 2014, no visa restrictions for holidayers or for investment into new business on the Islands, beautiful weather all year around and an easy going lifestyle, Seychelles is attracting new guests besides regular visitors.
Royal Jet has a competitive pricing in place having looked at neighbouring FBOs on other island destinations like Mauritius, Maldives and Reunion. With no other VIP FBO on the Seychelles, Royal Jet will revamp the existing FBO facilities to look and feel the same as its award winning FBO in Abu Dhabi.

PICTURED:  L-R- Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer; H.E. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Mazroui, Board Member for Royal Jet; Joel Morgan, Minister for Home Affairs & Transport and Air Seychelles Board Chairman; and Shane O’Hare, President & Chief Executive Officer for Royal Jet, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch Air Seychelles VIP.